(Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images)
SpaceX and T-Mobile have activated satellite connectivity to help deliver emergency alerts and texting to wildfire-hit areas in Los Angeles.
On Thursday, the companies switched on the direct-to-cell Starlink system to help restore connectivity to residents and emergency services on the ground when six fires continue to burn in the LA area, causing electrical and cellular outages.
“While SpaceX's direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, we are once again temporarily making this early test version available for those who need it most,” T-Mobile said. This comes as the carrier has so far restored about half of T-Mobile's network in the LA area following power loss.
SpaceX adds that satellite-based texting will enable users to reach out to loved ones and message 911. However, the texting is only available to T-Mobile customers with the supported phones, although the wireless emergency alerts including evacuation notices can reach anyone with a smartphone, regardless of carrier, T-Mobile told PCMag.
The cellular Starlink system works by harnessing orbiting satellites to send data to phones, enabling users to receive connectivity even when nearby cell towers have been disrupted. In October, SpaceX and T-Mobile also activated the system on an emergency basis to help victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton receive cellular coverage. It was able to send emergency alerts to all phones in the affected areas and power emergency text messaging for tens of thousands of phones.
T-Mobile is once again activating the cellular Starlink system for emergency purposes right as it embarks on a beta-test of the technology for its customers. Last month, the carrier began accepting user registrations for the direct-to-cell Starlink service, which will initially be free and focus on satellite-based messaging before rolling out support for voice and data.
To help wildfire victims in LA, SpaceX is also donating free Starlink dishes to the affected areas while offering residents one free month of Starlink access if they already own or plan on buying a dish.