T-Mobile and Starlink have announced a launch date. The collaboration with Elon Musk’s Starlink service is currently in beta testing and is set to officially launch on July 23 at an affordable price.
T-Mobile revealed that T-Satellite, the satellite-to-mobile service, will soon be accessible nationwide. To entice users, T-Mobile will provide satellite texting to T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T customers with compatible devices for $10 per month.
Traditionally, T-Mobile has been behind Verizon and AT&T in terms of coverage, but it believes that the Starlink collaboration offers a competitive advantage by delivering satellite connectivity. This will broaden coverage to “over 500,000 square miles of U.S. territory,” including regions that cell towers cannot reach.
“T-Satellite positions T-Mobile as the first U.S. wireless provider with a satellite-to-mobile network that connects with most smartphones produced in the last four years without the need for additional equipment,” a press release indicated.
Satellite messaging begins July 23
Commencing July 23, iOS and Android users with T-Satellite will be able to send SMS texts through satellite. Android users will also have access to MMS, picture messaging, and short audio clips, with iOS support “to follow.”
On October 1, T-Satellite will roll out data-based service, enabling users to access specific apps via satellite. T-Mobile anticipates “satellite-enabled apps from AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp, and X,” with additional options forthcoming.
The service will feature 911 emergency texting via satellite, and later this year, 911 texting will become available to all users with a compatible mobile device, including non-subscribers and customers of other carriers.
The complimentary beta program with text support (no calls) began in January, and T-Mobile has broadened access to include Verizon and AT&T customers. T-Mobile now boasts 1.8 million users enrolled.
What will be the cost of T-Satellite?
Certain T-Mobile plan users can use T-Satellite at no additional charge. The service is part of the T-Mobile Experience Beyond subscription, which costs around $100 a month for a single line. (This effectively makes T-Satellite free at a $100 monthly price.)
T-Mobile users on different plans (as well as Verizon and AT&T customers) can sign up for $10 per month. Initially, the beta program charged T-Mobile customers $15 monthly and Verizon and AT&T users $20 monthly.
Happy texting, no matter where you are.