T-Mobile and Starlink Enable Satellite Texting for Los Angeles During Wildfire Crisis

The collaboration provides emergency texting capabilities to T-Mobile users in areas where cellular infrastructure has been damaged by the fires.

T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink have activated satellite-based texting for Los Angeles residents affected by ongoing wildfires, ensuring communication in areas with damaged cell towers.
The service allows users to send SMS messages, contact 911, and receive emergency alerts, even without cellular coverage or power supply.
The Los Angeles wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed over 1,000 buildings, and disrupted traditional communication networks in the region.
T-Mobile subscribers with compatible devices can access the satellite texting feature, which is part of a larger initiative to expand direct-to-cell services nationwide by the end of the year.
This temporary solution highlights the growing role of satellite technology in disaster response, complementing similar services like Apple's Emergency SOS feature for iPhone 14 and newer models.