SpaceX Gives Early Starlink Internet to Towns Destroyed by Wildfires

"Glad SpaceX could help!"

Emergency Internet

Washington state emergency responders were able to get early access to SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service, bringing much-needed internet service to regions affected by wildfires, CNBC reports.

It's as simple as plugging in a small terminal, which then connects to one of hundreds of small satellites in low-Earth orbit.

"I have never set up any tactical satellite equipment that has been as quick to set up, and anywhere near as reliable," Richard Hall, the emergency telecommunications leader of the Washington State Military Department’s IT division, told CNBC, noting that "Starlink easily doubles the bandwidth" when compared to traditional satellite networks.

"Double the Bandwidth"

It only took Hall about ten minutes to set up and hook up a terminal, a long shot from the usual "four or five hours with some satellite equipment." The connection even provided some kids to "some of their initial schooling too."

"Glad SpaceX could help!" tweeted SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in response to an update by Washington state's emergency management. "We are prioritizing emergency responders & locations with no Internet connectivity at all."

Growing Constellation

So far, SpaceX has launched more than 700 satellites as part of its constellation, and is planning to launch tens of thousands more in the near future.

While it proved helpful in an emergency situation back on the ground, astronomers are finding that the bright satellites are ruining their research, appearing as bright streaks of light in the night sky.

READ MORE: Washington emergency responders first to use SpaceX’s Starlink internet in the field: ‘It’s amazing’ [CNBC]

More on Starlink: The US Military Wants Access to SpaceX’s Satellite Constellation