T-Mobile has conducted the first-ever test of a wireless emergency alert (WEA) sent via satellite in the U.S., marking a major milestone in emergency communication.
The test, conducted on September 5, 2024, used SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-smartphone technology to send an alert to over 500,000 square miles of land currently unreachable by traditional cell towers.
The alert was transmitted 217 miles into space to a Starlink satellite, which then relayed the message to a targeted area on the ground. In order to receive one of these emergency alerts, all that is a needed is a cellphone that supports LTE.
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert highlighted the impact of this technology, stating, “This is one of those days… that makes me pause for a moment and reflect on how technology advancements… are truly impacting life and death situations.”
The test aims to expand critical alerts to remote areas, ensuring that all wireless provider customers, including those of Verizon and AT&T, can receive life-saving notifications during natural disasters and other emergencies, regardless of cellular coverage.
T-Mobile is SpaceX’s first exclusive carrier partner when the Starlink Direct to Cell program launches later this year. After one year, the Direct to Cell service will expand to other established partners worldwide.
