SpaceX To Test Emergency Satellite-To Cell Phone Communication in Oregon

A new satellite technology being tested in Oregon could soon provide a vital emergency communication option for Douglas County residents in areas with poor to no cell coverage. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX permission to conduct statewide tests for its innovative satellite-to-phone technology, focusing primarily on emergency communications. Current cell coverage maps reveal a large % of Douglas County lacks reliable service, especially in rural and mountainous areas. This coverage gap has long been a significant concern for emergency services and resident safety in remote locations. The FCC's Special Temporary Authorization allows SpaceX to test "direct-to-cellular payloads" on their next-generation satellites across Oregon. This technology is not designed to replace regular cell service but instead aims to provide basic text communication capabilities during emergencies in areas where no other service is available. This initiative is part of a 2022 partnership between SpaceX and T-Mobile called "Coverage Above and Beyond." The main objective is to enable emergency text messaging in areas beyond the reach of traditional cell towers. Importantly, T-Mobile will be the exclusive provider of this new emergency satellite communication service for the first year after its launch. This means that initially, only T-Mobile customers in Douglas County will have access to the emergency text capability in areas without traditional cell coverage. More information to come as it becomes available, including when the service might be available to the public. Photo shows areas with cell coverage in Douglas County, colored areas have some cell coverage.