US lets Starlink provide direct-to-cell coverage for hurricane-hit areas

Chris May pauses briefly while clearing mud from his badly flooded auto mechanic shop in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Canton, North Carolina, U.S. October 3, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Sunday allowed Elon Musk's SpaceX and T Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cellphones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Hurricane Helene.

The FCC often grants such emergency temporary approvals during disasters to help restore wireless and internet services in badly impacted areas and to allow for testing.