T-Mobile Customers in Hurricane Zones Get Early Access to Starlink Satellite Texting
Direct-to-satellite texting rolls out early in North Carolina and Florida
Oct 9, 2024 | Share 
Emergency, News
T-Mobile and Starlink have turned on direct-to-cell texting for mobile phone customers in Florida and North Carolina, thanks to an emergency authorization by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
It means that even if cell towers are down and power is out, T-Mobile customers may still be able to send and receive text messages.
The SMS messaging will work for regular phone numbers and emergency services and is available on “the vast majority of smartphones on T-Mobile’s network,” according to an August press release.
Before the emergency ruling, customers with certain phones could send text messages to emergency responders using satellite services but couldn’t reach non-emergency contacts.
The direct-to-satellite constellation has yet to be fully deployed, according to an Oct. 6 update from T-Mobile. For now, it will be available on a best-effort basis.
“We felt that getting even this early test version into the hands of people on the ground could provide vital support as teams work to get infrastructure and services back online and help first responders with rescue efforts,” the statement reads.
Starlink posted about the early rollout on X.com.
“We have now enabled basic texting (SMS) for those on T-Mobile phones in hurricane affected areas,” SpaceX says. “Text messages have already been sent and received. You can text loved ones, text 911, and continue to receive emergency alerts.”
If you have access to the service, you’ll see one or two bars of service and the network name “T-Mobile SpaceX.” It will work best outdoors, but may also work near windows.
When will satellite texting be available everywhere?
We don’t know for sure when the service will be available outside disaster areas, but T-Mobile has said it will be available for T-Mobile prepaid customers when the satellites are fully deployed.
In August, Starlink founder Elon Musk said the exclusive agreement between T-Mobile and Starlink would last only one year.
“We are starting off working with one carrier in each country, but ultimately hope to serve all carriers,” he said.
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Chili Palmer covers breaking news, satellite internet, mobile connectivity, and streaming services for HighSpeedInternet.com. Previously writing under the name Rebecca Palmer, Chili is passionate about providing accurate and accessible information any time you're trying to connect … whether you already speak geek or just got your first smartphone.
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Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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