Elon Musk Providing Free Internet With Starlink To Hurricane-Affected Areas

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that he’s providing free internet through his product Starlink to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

At least 180 people across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia have already been confirmed dead in the wake of the hurricane, with the death total expected to rise. Millions were left without power, internet access, and cell phone service.

“We are making a system update to allow all Starlinks in the affected areas to work, regardless of payment,” Musk announced on X, a social media platform he now owns. “Software update hopefully completed tonight. Tomorrow at the latest.”

We are making a system update to allow all Starlinks in the affected areas to work, regardless of payment.

Software update hopefully completed tonight. Tomorrow at the latest. https://t.co/RcSwU54DtL

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024

Communities across the southeast are facing increased challenges due to limited internet access. Many survivors have said they are having a hard time getting in contact with their loved ones.

Former President Donald Trump on Monday visited Georgia, one of the hardest-hit states in the area. Meeting with volunteers, Trump said he was working with Musk to get Starlink to those in need.

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 “I just spoke to Elon,” he said. “We want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever and Elon will always come through — we know that, so we’re working on that.”

On Tuesday, Musk wrote online, “Since the Hurricane Helene disaster, SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need. Earlier today, [Donald Trump] alerted me to additional people who need Starlink Internet in North Carolina. We are sending them terminals right away.”

Since the Hurricane Helene disaster, SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need.

Earlier today, @realDonaldTrump alerted me to additional people who need Starlink Internet in North Carolina. We are sending them terminals right away.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024

“Great news,” Trump responded on TruthSocial. “So badly needed in North Carolina, where there is virtually no communication. Starlink was the perfect answer, and Elon Musk, as usual, came through. Thank you Elon!!!”

Over the weekend, President Joe Biden was at his home in Delaware but made it back to the White House on Monday to give a press conference on federal relief efforts. He told survivors he’d “be there” with them “as long as it takes.” Biden will reportedly visit North Carolina on Wednesday. 

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ nominee, held a rally in Las Vegas over the weekend and departed on Monday morning to Washington, D.C., for a briefing from FEMA. 

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