If you own an iPhone 14 or newer, you can send text messages through satellite connections in areas lacking cellular service. This feature is especially crucial during emergencies like the wildfires in Los Angeles, which have compromised cellular towers.
T-Mobile has partnered with Starlink to extend this functionality to smartphones that do not support it natively…
Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via Satellite service in 2022, empowering iPhone 14 users to reach emergency services when there’s no cellular reception. With the rollout of iOS 18, this service has been expanded to enable any compatible iPhone owner to send messages to their family and friends.
This satellite texting service necessitates a satellite radio chip, available only in the iPhone 14 and newer models, ruling out older iPhones from accessing this capability.
In light of the tragic wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region, T-Mobile and Starlink have announced that this service will now be available to all smartphones within the T-Mobile network. SpaceX made this announcement today on X.
For those in the Los Angeles area, the @Starlink team and @TMobile have enabled basic texting (SMS) through our Direct to Cell satellites. You can now communicate with loved ones, text 911, and receive emergency notifications.
The wildfires in LA have resulted in at least 10 fatalities and the destruction of over 1,000 structures, with five separate fires currently raging, fueled by strong winds.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed his sorrow over the disaster and announced that Apple is contributing to relief efforts. Additionally, the company is allowing Apple Card users in the affected regions to defer their payments without incurring interest or penalties.
Unfortunately, confusion arose when an evacuation alert was mistakenly sent to all iPhone users in Los Angeles, instead of solely to residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.
Photo: Free Malaysia Today/CC4.0
: . More.
