T-Mobile and Starlink launch satellite texting service in Florida for hurricane response

T-Mobile and Starlink have launched their satellite texting service in Florida, approved by the Federal Communications Commission. This service will provide emergency alerts for all phone users in affected areas, not just T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile subscribers can now send and receive texts, including emergency messages to 911, even if their network is down during Hurricane Milton. The companies are also delivering over 10,000 Starlink kits to assist with Hurricane Helene. Previously, the Direct to Cell service was only tested in January and recently activated in North Carolina. Users can identify the service by a "T-Mobile SpaceX" network name and may need to resend messages manually if they do not go through.