Elon Musk says Starlink emergency services will be free on mobile phones

Elon Musk said Tuesday that SpaceX’s Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, would give people stranded in the wilderness free access to emergency services on their mobile phones.

The SpaceX CEO made the comments in an X-message as the company, in partnership with T-Mobile, is currently seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission to commercially deploy its direct-to-cellular Starlink technology.

SpaceX says the satellite-based service would provide Americans with supplemental cellular coverage from space, closing mobile “dead zones.” Cell phone carriers AT&T and Verizon have expressed concerns about the technology, including that it would disrupt their own cellular networks.

SpaceX said in a letter to the FCC on Friday that the service would connect emergency responders in different environments and could send wireless emergency notifications to anyone, not just T-Mobile customers, in places where there is no terrestrial cellular coverage.

The company urged the FCC to allow it to commercially operate the satellites, which would “connect Americans in places where there was previously no cellular coverage.”

In a post on X on Tuesday, Musk highlighted the wireless emergency alert system, saying it “could help a lot of people stranded in the wilderness.”

“After careful consideration, SpaceX Starlink will provide free access to emergency cell phones for people in need,” Musk said in a follow-up message. “This will be global, subject to approval by the governments of the countries. There can be no situation where someone dies because they forgot or couldn’t afford it.”

It is unclear exactly how emergency services would proceed. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Musk’s message may have been intended to appeal to the FCC, which is considering approving the direct-dial service.

Brendan Carr, a Republican FCC commissioner, responded positively to the announcement, writing in an X post: “Direct-to-cell technology will truly benefit communications for public safety and first responders.”

The satellite-based emergency service could be similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS service available on newer iPhones. The feature allows iPhones that are out of cellular coverage to call for help from emergency services via satellite, among other features.

Apple’s Emergency SOS feature is available on iPhone 14 and 15 models and is free for two years after your phone is activated. The feature has been used around the world, including by hikers stranded in an Oregon forest and a couple who drove off a cliff in California.