T-Mobile Enables Satellite SMS Service in Hurricane Zones

T-Mobile customers living in regions affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton can now take advantage of a new satellite SMS service provided through Starlink, according to an announcement made by SpaceX. This service is offered on a “best-effort basis” and is free of charge for users in these disaster-stricken areas.

SpaceX stated, “We have now enabled basic texting (SMS) for those on T-Mobile phones in hurricane-affected areas.” The service aims to help users stay connected by allowing them to send text messages, including to 911, and continue to receive vital emergency alerts. Reports indicate that message transmission has already been successful.

Users will notice a slight change in their connectivity, as phones that connect to a Starlink satellite instead of the usual cellular antennas will display 1 to 2 bars of service. The network name for this connection will be “T-Mobile SpaceX,” according to details released by SpaceX. It may sometimes be necessary to re-attempt sending text messages if the first attempt fails. The service reportedly works “best outdoors” and “occasionally indoors near a window,” as emphasized by SpaceX.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted temporary approval to SpaceX and T-Mobile for the deployment of this direct-to-cell service. This approval applies specifically to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, where Starlink’s satellites have already been used for emergency communications to all phones and carriers. Additionally, SpaceX disclosed that the FCC “has also rapidly approved emergency special temporary authority for coverage in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton.”