With a warm gesture, Elon Musk promised to provide victims with Hurricane Helene with 30 days of free access to its satellite-based Starlink Internet Service.
This initiative The aim is to provide some relief to those who suffered from the catastrophic storm, which tragically claimed more than 200 lives. What was not immediately emphasized, however, is that survivors will have to invest $400 for the necessary hardware to access this service.
Elon Musk’s announcement after Hurricane Helene
Starlinka division under Musk’s renowned space exploration company SpaceXmade the announcement last week on his official X page. The message stated that the service is from Starlink “now 30 days free” for Helene survivors living in regions where telephone and fiber optic cables have been disrupted, leaving them without internet connectivity.
The announcement quickly gained enormous attention, going viral and being viewed tens of millions of times. This shows the broad interest and support for initiatives that help communities affected by disasters.
The image seen on the media shows the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in the south, with a special focus on Bat Cave, NC on October 8. Such images serve as a stark reminder of the storm’s devastating impact.
Elon Musk announced all that on X Starlink terminals would automatically function in the regions affected by Hurricane Helene, without any payment required. This news seemed promising to those affected by the disaster.
Experiment reveals reality
However, an investigation of the online publication The Register found that individuals attempting to access the service from the disaster-affected area did so still required to pay $400 in courtin addition to shipping, handling and taxes.
Support for hurricane victims
Starlink has taken steps to help hurricane victims by launching a dedicated relief page. The company stated that anyone in the affected area who signs up for the free internet service would be switched to one Residential plan of $120 per month after a 30-day grace period.
Existing customers in affected areas
For those who already live in the disaster area and have access to justice and want their fees waived, the process involves creating a special support ticket. This request will be reviewed by the Company at an unspecified time.
In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, survivors faced the consequences of… unexpected costs of paying $400 for the hardware and shipping of the Starlink kit, according to a report. This situation has sparked controversy and raised questions about the intentions behind the offer.
Starlink’s offer is being investigated
Kinney Baughman, who lives in Boone, North Carolina, sharply criticized Starlink’s offer to The Register. Baughman described it as a “craft bait and switch” tactic, suggesting it was designed to exploit vulnerable individuals rather than provide real help.
Delays and challenges
Baughman emphasized that the offer seemed impractical for residents. By the time the service becomes available, which could take several months, traditional Internet access may already have been restored. This delay makes the offer less attractive and possibly unnecessary.
Efforts to help areas affected by the hurricane
In response to the devastation caused by the hurricanes, SpaceX and T-Mobile have accelerated the rollout of Starlink direct-to-cell phone connectivity in the affected regions. This service is offered free of charge to support people in dire need.
Elon Musk tweeted on October 9, 2024, highlighting this effort to provide relief to hurricane survivors: “We have accelerated the rollout of Starlink direct to cell phone connectivity for areas affected by the hurricanes. This is offered for free by SpaceX and T-Mobile to help those in need.”
Additional obstacles
Pointing to further complications, Baughman noted that even if someone manages to obtain the device – despite the challenges of crossing damaged infrastructure such as downed bridges –they would still need electricity to make it work. This adds yet another layer of difficulty for those wanting to use the service in hurricane-affected areas.
