Starlink and T-Mobile partner to provide free satellite SMS communication during Florida hurricanes
T-Mobile users in Florida can now send texts via Starlink satellites in hurricane-affected areas.
T-Mobile customers impacted by hurricanes in Florida can now send SMS texts via Starlink satellites. SpaceX confirmed that the service is available on a ‘best-effort basis’ and at no cost.
Users with T-Mobile phones can send texts, including messages to emergency services and 911, using Starlink satellites. Phones connected to the satellite service will display ‘T-Mobile SpaceX’ and may show 1 to 2 bars of service.
SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors but can sometimes function near windows indoors. There may be occasional issues requiring users to retry sending texts.
Temporary FCC approval has allowed SpaceX and T-Mobile to offer the service in hurricane-hit areas. It was initially launched in response to Hurricane Helene, and further approval has been granted to cover Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton.
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