SpaceX is stepping in to help keep people connected in Panama after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck the country on Friday, damaging buildings, knocking out power, and disrupting communications. Panama’s own geosciences institute put it at 7.5.
Starlink says new and existing customers in the affected areas won’t pay for service until November 10, and that it’s working with emergency agencies to get the worst-hit communities back online.
The earthquake struck shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time on October 9, with its epicentre in central Panama, approximately 200 kilometres from Panama City.
At least 27 people suffered minor injuries and no deaths had been reported as of Friday night, according to Panama’s civil protection agency, SINAPROC. Buildings and roads collapsed in several areas. Panama’s geosciences institute has counted more than 80 aftershocks, the largest topping magnitude 6, according to AFP.
Power outages across six provinces also affected telecommunications networks, making it difficult for residents to contact family members.
+Móvil has opened Starlink Mobile’s satellite texting to all of its customers nationwide for 48 hours, from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11. Normally a paid add-on, it lets Android and iOS phones send SMS by satellite where there’s no cell coverage. It covers text messages only, not calls or data.
Meanwhile, competing carrier Tigo warned that prolonged power outages could interrupt its services, despite having backup power systems in place.
The Panama response comes days after SpaceX agreed to buy more U.S. wireless spectrum to build out Starlink Mobile.
Operations at the Panama Canal have continued without interruption.
Starlink support: Free service information for affected customers
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