T-Mobile and Starlink are teaming up to provide satellite-based cell reception during emergencies like Hurricane Milton. The direct-to-cell network activation provides emergency communication well before it was planned to be ready for launch.

The Federal Communications Commission has given Starlink and T-Mobile permission to enable their satellite texting service for Florida residents ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall. In an announcement on X,

SpaceX’s direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, so all services will be delivered on a best-effort basis. The massive flooding from Hurricane Helene created swaths of “blackout zones,

Cell phones have the capability to send messages to satellites when a severe weather event or emergency occurs. Here is how it works.

In the midst of a natural disaster, your cell service might not last for long. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reach out for help. In the past few years, some smartphones have evolved to gain the ability to connect to passing satellites that can route messages to people — or even emergency services — as long as you have a clear view of the sky.

The phone will automatically activate SOS capability when you are not within cell service, but to get the satellite texting feature, you need to do a couple of things. You need to