Starlink, famous for bringing an online connection to even the most remote corners of planet Earth, is about to make its way straight to smartphones. Sounds good, right? Well, there’s even better news: the whole thing won’t cost a dime to users!
Created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink operates using a network of low-orbit satellites that beam internet signals down to Earth. You might have seen them sailing the night sky while stargazing: a string of bright dots moving in a straight line, like a celestial train. While this sighting might look like an UFO for those who weren’t aware of Elon Musk’s satellites, they have proved themselves useful. Because the connection comes from above (instead of traditional towers), phones that are compatible can stay online even in places where regular cell towers don’t reach.
Out of the 21 satellites recently launched, six will soon have the ability to link up with mobile phones without requiring any extra gadgets or apps—as long as the phone supports 4G LTE. Right now, there are 7,095 satellites still in orbit, with 6,382 currently operational.
Before we get ecstatic about the prospect of being able to binge-watch our favourite Netflix show on our phone while camping, let’s say, in the middle of the Mohave dessert, we should hold our horses. While the satellite network is designed to provide mobile coverage across the planet, Musk himself admitted that it does have its drawbacks. “It’s a great solution for areas with no cellular coverage, but it’s not exactly a replacement for regular mobile networks,” he explained.
When will phones be able to tap into Starlink’s satellite network?
If you’ve been dreaming of satellite-powered phone service, the wait won’t be long —Starlink’s beta launch kicks off this June for certain smartphones. At first, only Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola devices will be able to connect. But don’t worry if your phone didn’t make the cut just yet —more brands are expected to join the party down the road.
The best part? It’s completely free. Users will be able to text, make calls, and browse the web through Starlink, no matter how far off the grid they are. No hidden fees, no extra equipment, just straight-up satellite service. Want to know if the phone you have right is compatible? Here’s the complete list of smartphone models that will be able to participate in the initial rollout:
Apple
- iPhone 14, 15, and 16 (Standard, Pro, and Pro Max)
- Pixel 9 (Pro, Pro Fold, and Pro XL)
Motorola
- All devices released in 2024 and 2025
Samsung
- Galaxy A14, A15, A16, A35, A53, and A54
- Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 (Plus, Ultra, and Fan Edition)
T-Mobile’s nvolvement
To bring this service to life, Starlink has teamed up with T-Mobile, one of the biggest mobile carriers in the U.S. T-Mobile’s network will tap into Starlink’s fleet of direct-to-cell satellites —over 300 in total— to fill the gaps where traditional towers fall short. That means half a million square miles of the U.S. will finally have coverage, turning dead zones into a thing of the past.
Of course, Musk isn’t the only one looking to beam cell service from space. British telecom giant Vodafone is gearing up to challenge him, planning its own satellite-powered mobile network. Looks like the race to dominate the skies is just getting started.
Vodafone isn’t sitting this one out. The British telecom giant is gearing up to launch its own satellite broadband service in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile. According to CEO Margherita Della Valle, their new satellite venture will deliver a ready-to-use service for European mobile operators, combining Vodafone’s expertise in networking with AST SpaceMobile’s orbital antennas—because why build more cell towers when you can just beam coverage from space?
Right now, both Vodafone and Starlink are still in their beta testing phases, with Vodafone focusing on the UK and Europe, while Starlink rolls out in the United States. The rivalry is brewing, but for now, it’s more of a friendly match than a full-blown network showdown.
As for the free beta trial with T-Mobile, it’s set to wrap up at the end of July this year. The good news? Even after testing ends, the service will stay free, giving customers one less bill to worry about.
