Musk Offering Free Starlink Cell Service to Los Angeles Residents Impacted by Fires – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
12:29 PM – Thursday, January 9, 2025
As numerous raging fires sweep through Los Angeles County, devastating thousands of homes and structures, communication services have faltered across extensive areas of the city, leading Elon Musk to offer complimentary Starlink cell services to residents in need.
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At least five casualties have now been reported, with fires intensified by the robust Santa Ana winds, while nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
The two major blazes, the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, have consumed approximately 27,000 acres to date. The destruction of cell towers has further disrupted communication for residents in affected areas, prompting intervention from the SpaceX founder.
Los Angeles residents lacking cell service who need to contact relatives will now be able to do so, thanks to Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX and a Trump supporter.
“SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA tomorrow morning,” Musk stated in a post on X.
Musk’s announcement followed a broadcast by Fox 11, which managed to deliver a live feed solely due to Starlink’s capabilities.
“The only reason you’re able to see us right now is because of Starlink. There’s absolutely no cell service at all in this entire area,” a reporter mentioned, as a house burned behind her.
Musk’s Starlink system not only offers internet access but also guarantees communication despite the absence of cell towers by utilizing a vast network of satellites in Low-Earth Orbit.
Musk criticized the California government, led by Democrats, for not implementing preventive measures to mitigate wildfires, blaming “ridiculous regulations” for the ongoing devastation.
“These fires are easily preventable, but absurd regulations in California hinder essential actions, resulting in homes burning down and lives lost every year,” Musk expressed in a post on X.
“My friend just informed me that his house has burned down again. He previously lost another home to a wildfire several years back. California could easily prevent these extensive wildfires but refuses to install fire breaks for nonsensical environmental reasons,” he added.
The Palisades fire has scorched almost 27 square miles and remains completely uncontained as of Thursday morning, as reported by Cal Fire.
Similarly, the Eaton fire, responsible for all five fatalities, is also at 0% containment as of Thursday morning.
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