The phone had stopped functioning.

After Hurricane Helene, power and cell service were disrupted for several days. Jeff Twersky was attempting — once more — to establish a connection.

Twersky, 69, a retired attorney, was in Weaverville, North Carolina, near Asheville, with his wife, family, and friends when the hurricane struck. They had rented an Airbnb in the area to celebrate a birthday and enjoy the beautiful mountains, not anticipating the chaotic weather and its aftermath.

Road access was hindered, supplies were depleting, and communicating with anyone via phone calls or texts was futile or non-functional. Many residents across the Southeast found themselves isolated, grappling with power and cell service outages in the storm’s aftermath.

Twersky, who journeyed from Vashon Island, Washington, stepped outside on the night of September 28, hoping for better luck connecting with his iPhone 16 at that late hour, and surprisingly, he succeeded.

“My phone switched to satellite mode,” Twersky recounted to YSL News, noting he was unaware of this capability. “I was able to contact my daughter in San Francisco.”

‘Satellite mode’ and cellular systems

Many recent mobile phones now come equipped with a “satellite SOS” mode, allowing users to send text messages even when cellular or WiFi networks are down, suitable for remote locations or during emergencies.

For Apple users, the feature is available on iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 18. Google’s Pixel 9 models also have a similar Satellite SOS feature for emergency contact. Moreover, cellular networks collaborate with satellite support companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, who have partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink for enhanced services.

“The satellite connection is a notable advancement,” explained John Wojewoda, AT&T’s assistant vice president of Tower Strategy and Roaming. “If the cellular network is down, users can rely on a satellite connection.”

This satellite feature is primarily limited to text messaging and has specific requirements, such as needing a clear view of the sky and possibly additional steps to activate.

In dire situations with few alternatives, having even a basic option can be invaluable.

Satellite SOS isn’t the only service relying on satellites.

“AT&T also utilizes satellite networks to support their wireless services,” said Wojewoda. In the event of disasters, teams for Network Disaster Recovery not only work on restoring regular service but can also temporarily activate satellite coverage for affected cell sites.

This year, Verizon joined forces with Skylo, a satellite service provider, to create a direct-to-device messaging option for selected smartphones. Both Verizon and AT&T are also collaborating with AST SpaceMobile, a satellite communications enterprise, to establish a space-based broadband network.

T-Mobile has implemented a direct-to-cellular service with Starlink, enabling wireless emergency alerts and SMS, including texting 911. This was rolled out in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival and in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, as stated by T-Mobile.

“Our main focus is always to restore the traditional network first,” he added, “and we strive to efficiently bring back our services.”

‘It was a lifesaving thing’

Utilizing the satellite mode on his iPhone was crucial for Twersky.

Once he managed to message his daughter, they received vital updates about the storm, road conditions, and access that they couldn’t acquire due to the cell outages.

The group also cleared fallen trees and debris, although many roads remained obstructed.

“By that time, we were in our third day without supplies,” Twersky shared. “We were nearly out of food and water. A few of us needed medications that were running low. It was lifesaving to discover the satellite feature.”

Eventually, Twersky was able to contact family who came to rescue them.

Witnessing the destruction while leaving was heartbreaking, but there was a positive aspect.

“We experienced an incredible sense of community support during this ordeal,” said Twersky. “Disasters often reveal the strength of community, and we saw it here.”

Advancements in technology

While Satellite SOS offers limited functionality, primarily for texting, it’s a technology that’s progressing, according to Wojewoda.

Bringing satellite resources into play provides quick solutions, but firms like AT&T are also looking for long-term strategies.

With increasing reliance on mobile phones for communication and the impact of climate change leading to more severe weather events, the need for enhanced and sustainable solutions is critical.

Cellular networks aim to ensure that connectivity options are available at all times, especially during emergencies, Wojewoda stated.

Efforts to strengthen networks are underway, especially at AT&T, which aims to boost network resilience.

AT&T is currently upgrading its power backup systems, committing millions to improve generators, batteries, and other technologies that ensure their network remains operational during local power outages, as stated by Andrea Huguely, a spokesperson for the company.

Additionally, AT&T has collaborated with Argonne National Laboratory, a federally funded research entity in Illinois, to analyze climate forecasts and relevant data. Together with FEMA and the lab, they established the Climate Risk and Resilience Portal, which serves as a resource for climate-related information aimed at public safety and community leaders.

Looking ahead, these advancements also aim to enhance customer experiences.

“The key goal is to incorporate cellular technologies into our network,” explained Wojewoda. This integration will allow devices to switch automatically to available satellites if the traditional network fails.

He further noted: “This field is rapidly advancing, with a multitude of new technologies emerging to facilitate this integration.”