Starlink by SpaceX to offer free emergency SOS on ALL phones worldwide
While Emergency SOS via satellite is literally life-saving, the implementation by smartphone companies is not going to be free, at least not for long. This defeats the purpose of the feature and could even be seen as a way to capitalize on someone’s desperation. Its efficacy also depends on satellite availability and coverage. SpaceX’s Starlink is about to solve all of these problems, as per a new claim by Musk on X.
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX that offers global broadband connectivity via satellites, enabling users in even the most remote areas to have access to high-speed internet. As of today, it has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit — much higher than its rivals. Earlier this year, Starlink by SpaceX launched Direct to Cell service with T-Mobile, enabling texting, calling, and data across the globe on existing smartphones.
But there is one major snag (especially, for example, in South Africa): To offer global emergency services access via satellites, Starlink will need approvals from every country individually.
With such a potentially vital and life-saving service, it's also going to be interesting to see if non-participating governments are going to be held civilly liable for any deaths of their citizens where such a call could have saved lives.
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Starlink by SpaceX to offer free emergency SOS on all phones worldwide
Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX will open Starlink for free emergency services access on all phones worldwide
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