SpaceX’s Starlink “Direct to cell” services, in partnership with T-Mobile, will be offering free emergency services worldwide.
“The two companies are especially excited about the service’s capability to provide Wireless Emergency Alerts to everyone, including non-T-Mobile customers, in areas where there is no terrestrial coverage,” Noted SpaceX in an August 23, 2024, letter to the FCC.
After thinking it through, SpaceX Starlink will provide emergency services access for mobile phones for people in distress for free.
This applies worldwide, subject to approval by country governments.
Can’t have a situation where someone dies because they forgot or were unable…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 27, 2024
Elon Musk explained that Starlink’s “Direct to Cell“ could help people stranded in the wilderness or in distress. He confirmed that Starlink’s cellular services will provide emergency service access worldwide, subject to country government approval.
Starlink emergency services appear similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, which is available for iPhone 14 and up. GOP FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted that Starlink Direct to Cell would likely benefit public safety communications and first responders.
SpaceX and T-Mobile are expected to launch Starlink Cellular in the fall of this year.
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