How Satellite Internet Is Revolutionizing Disaster Response and Humanitarian Relief
Hurricane Maria in 2017 knocked out 95% of Puerto Rico’s cell towers, cutting phone service across the island. SpaceX Starlink and other LEO satellite networks have since provided emergency internet in disasters, including Ukraine’s war, Tonga’s 2022 tsunami, and Florida after Hurricane Ian. Starlink’s terminals require only power and sky access, delivering up to 200 Mbps per user. Over 70,000 new LEO satellites are planned by 2030.