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Musk Makes Starlink Free For A Month For Those Affected By Hurricane

Musk Makes Starlink Free For A Month For Those Affected By Hurricane

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, SpaceX’s Starlink is stepping up to offer crucial support for communities left devastated by the storm. As part of their relief efforts, Starlink is providing one month of free internet service to those in the hardest-hit areas. This emergency response has been a lifeline for those still without power and cut off from traditional communication services.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, shared an update on Tuesday through his social media platform, X, announcing that Starlink terminals would work in impacted areas without requiring payment. “We are making a system update to allow all Starlinks in the affected areas to work, regardless of payment,” Musk wrote, adding that the software update would be completed by Wednesday at the latest.

Starlink has already delivered hundreds of satellite dishes to regions battered by the hurricane, working in tandem with the U.S. government to restore high-speed internet access. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has also deployed 40 Starlink units across counties in North Carolina and Georgia to aid responder communications.

For new and existing Starlink customers impacted by the storm, the company is offering a special “Hurricane Relief” service plan. According to Starlink’s website, those affected by Hurricane Helene can receive a free month of service. Existing customers can apply for a relief credit, while new users can check if their address qualifies for the offer on Starlink’s website. While the service itself is free for the first month, new customers still need to pay $299 for the hardware, which is expected to arrive within one to two weeks.

The offer couldn’t come at a better time. Hurricane Helene has left millions without power and cellular service, with more than 1.2 million customers in the Carolinas and Georgia still in the dark as of Wednesday morning. In some areas, residents are using Ford F-150 trucks to power their homes and Starlink terminals, with many crediting the service for maintaining their sanity in the face of isolation.

While Starlink’s contributions are being widely celebrated, the relief effort has sparked a political debate. Former President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that he personally spoke with Elon Musk to arrange for Starlink units to be sent to hurricane-stricken regions. Musk later retweeted a video clip of Trump thanking him for the support. In response, the White House pointed out that Starlink deliveries had already been planned as part of FEMA’s strategy, independent of Trump’s involvement.

Regardless of the political back-and-forth, Starlink’s role in providing satellite internet to affected communities is undeniable. The service has become a vital tool for communication, especially in areas where traditional services are down, and FEMA’s use of Starlink in emergency operations centers shows its critical importance in disaster response.

For those still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Starlink’s free service offer is a welcome relief. The company has indicated that after 30 days, they will reassess the situation and determine whether to extend the free service or transition customers to a paid subscription. For now, however, communities can stay connected during one of the most challenging times they’ve faced.

Written by Mark Stevens - October 3, 2024