Tesla and SpaceX patriarch Elon Musk has teamed up with T-Mobile to offer Starlink’s direct-to-cell service to those affected by Hurricane Milton.

Musk and SpaceX – which powers and operates Starlink – announced overnight at X that more than 10,000 Starlink satellite kits have been deployed to provide basic SMS functionality.

“We have accelerated the rollout of Starlink direct-to-mobile connectivity for hurricane-affected areas,” Musk wrote.

“This is being provided free of charge by SpaceX and (T-Mobile) to help those in need.”

FLORIDA CFO SAYS HURRICANE MILTON’S FINANCIAL DANGER COULD REACH $20 BILLION

SpaceX further clarified that the satellites will provide emergency alerts and text messages to all phones and carriers, but T-Mobile phones have already received a notification that they can additionally send “favorite” and 911 text messages.

SpaceX and T-Mobile have teamed up to accelerate the deployment of Starlink to those affected by Hurricane Milton. (Getty Images)

“The FCC also quickly issued a special authorization for emergency response in Florida in advance of Hurricane Milton,” the company said.

The National Hurricane Center warned in a statement on Wednesday morning that “a large area of ​​destructive storm surge with peak flooding of 10 feet or more is expected along a portion of the central west coast of the Florida Peninsula” when Hurricane Milton makes landfall later tonight.

Milton, a Category 5 hurricane as of 5 a.m. ET, was centered about 300 miles southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

To determine whether a phone is connected to a Starlink satellite, SpaceX has one to two signal bars and displays “T-Mobile SpaceX” in the network name.

“Users may need to manually attempt to send text messages if they do not initially get through, as these are delivered in good faith,” SpaceX also wrote on X. “The service works best outdoors and occasionally indoors nearby .” a window.

When Hurricane Helene made landfall two weeks ago and its powerful outer bands caused devastating flooding and landslides in North Carolina, Musk had previously criticized FEMA for allegedly blocking Starlink shipments.

“FEMA is not only failing to adequately help people in difficulty, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!” the billionaire claimed on X.

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Later that same week, Musk said the issue had been “resolved,” crediting Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg confirmed to MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on Sunday that he and Musk had a lengthy discussion about Starlink capabilities.

FEMA denied that claim to FOX Business, saying in a statement: “FEMA continues to work with our federal family and our state and local partners in affected areas to provide the people and communities who need it most. to provide life-saving resources.”

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Brie Stimson of FOX Business and Greg Norman of Fox News contributed to this report.