Two years ago, T-Mobile formed a partnership with SpaceX to provide network connectivity through the Starlink satellite constellation. By late 2024, the carrier began accepting registrations for beta testing of its direct-to-cell satellite service. Today, during the Super Bowl, T-Mobile announced that beta testing is now available to everyone.
The most exciting aspect is that T-Mobile will offer complimentary access to all beta registrations until July. After this period, the service will be included at no additional charge for customers subscribed to the Go5G Next plan, which caters to both individual and business users.
Any T-Mobile customer will also have the option to add the satellite service for $15 a month on top of their existing plan. Those who sign up for beta testing in February will enjoy a reduced rate of $10 per month for T-Mobile Starlink.
Additionally, the carrier is seizing the chance to attract new clients. Registrations for the new service, named T-Mobile Starlink, will be available to subscribers of competing networks like Verizon and AT&T at no charge. After July, they will still have access to the service for $20 per month per connection line.
What to Expect from T-Mobile Starlink?
Initially, the direct-to-cell satellite network will only facilitate text messaging (both direct and group messages) for users located in areas without cell tower coverage. T-Mobile claims that the satellite network’s reach will cover over half a million square miles.
In the future, as T-Mobile enhances its infrastructure and launches more satellites, the Starlink service will evolve to support multimedia messaging as well. While specific hardware requirements are yet to be revealed, T-Mobile states that Starlink should function on most smartphones released in the last four years.
As bandwidth increases, the carrier plans to introduce calling and data services. Looking at competitors, Vodafone recently celebrated achieving the first “space video call” using signals transmitted from a satellite.
T-Mobile’s initiative represents a groundbreaking effort by a U.S.-based carrier, even though some emergency satellite communication options have been available for a couple of years, notably from companies like Apple. The Un-carrier is addressing this need too.
In dead zones, users will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) and crucial notifications, including those related to weather emergencies, via the satellite network. T-Mobile assures that this service will be available nationwide.
“T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the U.S. It represents a monumental technical achievement and is a game changer for all cellular users,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. Meanwhile, AT&T has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to roll out satellite-to-phone services soon, and Verizon is working with Skylo to offer similar capabilities.
T-Mobile’s satellite connectivity service is set to launch on a broader scale in July for subscribers. The beta registration phase will continue on an ongoing basis, according to the company.
