Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced today that all Starlink systems in areas affected by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene will remain operational, regardless of payment. The announcement was made on Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), where he has over 199.8 million followers.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024
In his post, Musk said that a software update would ensure uninterrupted access to Starlink services for those impacted by the disaster. He emphasized the importance of keeping communication lines open during such emergencies and expressed hope that the update would be completed tonight or by tomorrow at the latest.
We are making a system update to allow all Starlinks in the affected areas to work, regardless of payment.
Software update hopefully completed tonight. Tomorrow at the latest. https:///t.co/RcSwU54DtL
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024
Starlink will remain operational for all in the affected areas, even if payment isn’t made,” Musk wrote. It’s crucial that people remain connected during this emergency.
The announcement comes as many regions across the United States grapple with the devastating effects of the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Massive flooding has disrupted essential infrastructure, leaving countless people in urgent need of reliable communication. By ensuring that Starlink services remain active for those affected, Musk has reiterated his commitment to using technology to provide aid during times of crisis.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has been praised for its ability to provide reliable high-speed internet, particularly in remote and disaster-stricken areas where traditional communication infrastructure may be unavailable. The move to keep Starlink active without requiring payment reflects Starlink’s dedication to supporting communities in times of emergency.
This proactive measure is expected to assist residents, emergency responders, and relief workers in staying connected as recovery efforts continue across affected regions. It also highlights the potential of satellite internet to play a crucial role in disaster response, enabling communication even in the face of widespread infrastructure damage.
