When Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica and the Bahamas as a devastating Category 5 storm, communication lines snapped and infrastructure crumbled. In response, Starlink swung into action. The team donated over 800 Starlink kits to governments and humanitarian organizations — with more than 600 in Jamaica alone — and enabled free Internet service through the end of November for residents in the impacted areas.
Even more groundbreaking, Starlink activated its Direct-to-Cell service through regional partner Liberty Latin America (for the brand FLOW Jamaica), allowing compatible LTE smartphones to send and receive voice, video, and SMS—even when the local mobile networks were down. According to Liberty, this connectivity solution now supports over 250,000 people in the worst-hit regions.
On the ground, the relief effort has included rapid deployment of Starlink kits to major hospitals, food distribution centres, water-sanitation teams and emergency shelters. With connectivity restored, rescue teams can coordinate more effectively, families can stay in touch, and businesses can begin recovery efforts sooner. The service isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a lifeline.
Starlink’s response highlights a shift in how satellite-based internet is used in disasters: instead of just backup connectivity, it becomes primary infrastructure when the earthbound systems fail. For island nations like Jamaica and the Bahamas, where hurricanes regularly devastate power grids and cell towers, this capability changes the equation for resilience and recovery.
As the affected communities begin the long process of rebuilding, Starlink has committed to continue support and connectivity while the recovery is underway. This effort reaffirms the idea that global broadband isn’t just about streaming or surfing—it’s about saving lives, restoring hope, and connecting communities when they need it most.
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