--- title: "SpaceX Gives Early Starlink Internet to Towns Destroyed by Wildfires" description: "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, as 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. “Double the Bandwidth” […]" date: "2020-09-30" modified: "2020-09-30" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/spacex-starlink-internet-towns-destroyed-wildfires" categories: - "Future Society" - "Space" - "SpaceX" tags: - "SpaceX" - "starlink" - "the digest" --- # SpaceX Gives Early Starlink Internet to Towns Destroyed by Wildfires ![Washington state emergency responders were able to get early access to SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service for regions affected by wildfires.]() *\Image: SpaceX\* ## 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]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()