Starlink Steps Up: Free Service & Direct-to-Cell in Jamaica and the Bahamas for Hurricane Melissa Relief

In response to the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the Bahamas, Starlink — through SpaceX — is providing free internet service through the end of November for affected homes, emergency services, and businesses in the region. At the same time, Starlink has activated its Direct-to-Cell service in Jamaica for all customers of Liberty Caribbean, enabling standard LTE smartphones to send and receive voice, messaging, and data even if terrestrial networks are down. 

The free internet offer is a critical lifeline in the aftermath of the hurricane, which knocked out power grids and terrestrial communications infrastructure in many coastal areas. With Starlink dishes and service enabled, first responders, recovery teams and displaced residents gain access to connectivity — letting them coordinate help, send emergency messages, and stay informed as recovery operations proceed. The company’s announcement marks a clear example of satellite broadband stepping in when traditional networks fail. 

In Jamaica, the activation of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) service is especially notable. Through the partnership with Liberty Caribbean, compatible LTE phones instantly gain satellite-link capability — no special equipment or apps required. This turns even standard mobile devices into resilient communication tools when cell towers are offline. The move underscores how Starlink is not just building fixed-site internet but enabling mobile, lifesaving connectivity in extreme situations. 

This incident also highlights a broader shift in satellite-internet infrastructure: the focus is increasingly on resilience and global reach. When disasters strike, terrestrial networks are frequently among the first casualties. Satellite services like Starlink can plug into the gap — offering bandwidth, messaging, and voice over skies rather than cables. For the Caribbean, where island geography and hurricane exposure make such resilience vital, the capability is a game-changer.

As restoration work begins and power returns, Starlink’s dual commitment — free service for impacted users and mobile-phone one-link service via D2C — helps ensure that connectivity becomes part of the recovery, not just a nice-to-have. For residents and responders alike, being online means safety, coordination and hope. It also sends a clear signal: satellite internet is no longer just about remote homes — it’s about keeping people connected when everything else fails.