Image: T-Mobile
T-Mobile has officially launched its Starlink-powered satellite connectivity service, dubbed T-Satellite, across the U.S. today, in partnership with SpaceX. The service is now out of beta and available to both T-Mobile customers and users on other carriers for $10/month.
Previously available as a free beta that drew over 1.8 million sign-ups, T-Satellite allows users to send text messages and share their location via satellites, even in complete cellular dead zones. Unlike Starlink’s traditional home and RV service, this one connects directly to regular smartphones — no extra hardware required.
Subscribers on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans get the service for free, while users on other plans can opt in to it. As can users on rival carriers like AT&T and Verizon, provided they have a free eSIM slot on their phone that they can reserve for satellite connectivity. Non-T-Mobile customers must visit a retail location or call customer service to sign up.
T-Satellite currently supports SMS messaging and location sharing, with MMS (image messaging) recently added for select Android devices. Starting October 1, the service will expand to allow limited data connectivity for select apps, including Google Messages, iMessage, AccuWeather, and AllTrails. Voice and video calling are on the roadmap, but require additional spectrum clearance.
T-Mobile is pitching T-Satellite as a lifeline for rural and remote users — and as a potentially life-saving service. By the end of the year, the company says 911 texting will be available to all compatible devices, regardless of carrier or subscription status.
While rival satellite offerings from Apple, Verizon, and AST SpaceMobile are also expanding, T-Satellite’s seamless integration and low cost make it one of the most consumer-friendly options so far. Up north in Canada, Rogers partnered with SpaceX to launch a Starlink-powered satellite phone service in beta earlier this month.
“No towers nearby? No problem. If you can see the sky, you’re connected,” T-Mobile said about today’s launch. You can learn more about the Starlink-powered T-Satellite service on T-Mobile’s website.
