WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Sunday allowed Elon Musk's SpaceX and T Mobile (TMUS.O) to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cellphones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Hurricane Helene.

T-Mobile and Starlink are teaming up to provide satellite-based cell reception during emergencies like Hurricane Milton. The direct-to-cell network activation provides emergency communication well before it was planned to be ready for launch.

SpaceX‘s Starlink team and T-Mobile US have activated their Direct-to-Cell coverage to provide emergency alerts for all phones and telecommunications carriers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene as well as Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton,