In a heartfelt gesture, Elon Musk promised to provide victims of Hurricane Helene with 30 days of complimentary access to his satellite-based Starlink internet service.
This initiative aims to offer some relief to those who have suffered from the catastrophic storm, which tragically claimed over 200 lives. However, what wasn’t immediately highlighted is that survivors will need to invest $400 for the necessary hardware to access this service.
Elon Musk’s announcement after Hurricane Helene
Starlink, a division under Musk’s renowned space exploration company SpaceX, made this announcement on its official X page last week. The message stated that Starlink’s service is “now free for 30 days” for Helene survivors residing in regions where phone and fiber cables have been disrupted, leaving them without internet connectivity.
The announcement quickly gained massive traction, going viral and amassing tens of millions of views. This shows the widespread interest and support for initiatives that aid disaster-stricken communities.
The image seen on the media captures the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in the South, specifically highlighting Bat Cave, NC on October 8. Such visuals serve as a stark reminder of the storm’s devastating impact.
Elon Musk announced on X that all Starlink terminals would function automatically in the regions impacted by Hurricane Helene, without any payment required. This news seemed promising for those affected by the disaster.
Experiment Unveils the Reality
However, an investigation by the online publication The Register discovered that individuals attempting to access the service from the disaster-stricken area were still required to pay $400 for the dish, in addition to shipping, handling, and taxes.
Support for Hurricane Victims
Starlink took steps to aid hurricane victims by launching a dedicated help page. The company stated that anyone in the affected area who enrolls for the free internet service would be transitioned to a $120-per-month residential plan after a 30-day grace period.
Existing Customers in Affected Areas
For those already residing in the disaster zone with a dish, and wishing to have 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 unexpected cost 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 Under Scrutiny
Kinney Baughman, who resides in Boone, North Carolina, expressed strong criticism of the Starlink 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 genuine assistance.
Delays and Challenges
Baughman highlighted that the offer seemed impractical for residents. By the time the service becomes available, which could take several months, traditional internet access might already be restored. This delay renders the offer less appealing and potentially unnecessary.
Efforts to Aid Hurricane-Stricken Areas
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 affected regions. This service is being offered free of charge to support those in dire need.
Elon Musk tweeted on October 9, 2024, emphasizing this effort to provide assistance to hurricane survivors: “We have accelerated the rollout of Starlink direct to cell phone connectivity for areas affected by the hurricanes. This is being provided free of charge by SpaceX and T-Mobile to help those in need.”
Additional Obstacles
Baughman pointed out further complications, noting that even if someone manages to acquire the device—despite the challenges of traversing damaged infrastructure like downed bridges—they would still require electricity to operate it. This adds another layer of difficulty for those seeking to use the service in hurricane-impacted areas.
