Quote:
Originally Posted by Dusty_Star
Looks like for hurricane Milton, like Helene Starlink is providing emergency texting via T-Mobile for all phones. More details here: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1843903981480980642
Like this quote: "If a phone connects to a Starlink satellite, it will have 1 to 2 bars of signal and show "T-Mobile SpaceX" in the network name. Users may have to manually retry text messages if they don't go through at first, as this is being delivered on a best-effort basis. The service works best outdoors, and occasionally works indoors near a window." |
This is the service from the newly launched Starlink direct to ground cell phone link capable satellites that the OP is referring to in post #1. Not all Starlink satellites have this capability. Your compatible phone (wth the new update mentioned) will default to this feature if no other connection is found (cell, wifi) and is not just for emergencies (as I understand it, but limit your use when there is a disaster). Your older cell phone does not have the hardware modem or software to do Starlink or other satellite comms. Refer to your provider and phone manual. Your phone cannot directly connect to a satellite otherwise. The service is text only and works best as direct line-of-sight to the satellites.
All the other references are to older technologies that exist and need their own hardware/software but have various levels of service. There are many other ways to link and communicate these days.
A cell phone without those features requires a cell tower (or a WiFi connection - this presumes an intact internet service and service plan). The 911 service is available on many older phones as a last default so anyone can call emergency services even though they are not the phone account owner and will use any cell service provider found.
Note that there may be some GPS disruptions, communication difficulties, satellite anomalies, risk to astronauts, and ground effects with unfortunate timing for our areas rescue effort from recent solar activity that interacts with the earth magnetospere and atmosphere:
Spaceweather.com Time Machine
.