Starlink and T-Mobile have been testing the service for several weeks but will really put it to the test after mass communication outages in the Southeast coasts.
How to Use Free Starlink Direct to Cell in N. Carolina and Florida
2 min read
SpaceX’s Starlink will make its Direct to Cell technology available for free to T-Mobile customers in the regions affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On October 6, SpaceX and T-Mobile announced they received emergency authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to temporarily activate Direct to Cell for customers in North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene caused massive communication outages. On October 8, they announced they received a second approval to make the service available in areas of Florida that were in the projected path of Hurricane Milton.
Starlink Direct to Cell currently only supports text messaging (SMS), so phone calls or data use will not work. This service is free but temporary. Starlink or T-Mobile has not indicated how long it will be active.
How to do I use Starlink Direct to Cell?
Because the constellation of Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell is still being developed, SpaceX advises that “services will be delivered on a best-effort basis.”
The service works best outdoors and sometimes inside near a window, according to the post. If a text message doesn’t go through, customers should manually retry until it does.
How do I get the best signal on Direct to Cell?
If you’re in the affected regions mentioned above and have T-Mobile phone service, you don’t need to do anything to get satellite service. According to SpaceX, you’ll know you’re getting service if your phone reads “T-Mobile SpaceX” next to the service bars. Text messaging is only available to T-Mobile customers, but SpaceX’s announcement said emergency alerts could be sent to any phone and all carriers in the area to keep people informed.
Starlink Direct to Cell will work with any mobile phone with LTE connectivity, regardless of manufacturer or brand—there is no need to get a new or expensive satellite phone.
Starlink offers satellite internet service at discounted price
In addition to Direct to Cell coverage, SpaceX is temporarily offering discounted Starlink internet to residents in hurricane-affected regions. New and current customers in the area can qualify for a free 30 days of residential internet service, a $120 value. However, customers must already have access to a Starlink kit ($349), whether ordered online or purchased from a retailer like Best Buy or Home Depot. Read more about the offer here.
