After years of work, T-Mobile and SpaceX are ready to officially launch the cellular Starlink service, allowing smartphone users to remain connected in dead zones.
This “T-Satellite” service has been available since January through a free beta program, which attracted about 1.8 million sign-ups. But starting today, July 23, T-Mobile begins charging subscribers for T-Satellite, as competition in satellite-to-phone services heats up.
Below, we’ll cover basic questions about the cellular Starlink service. Unlike the regular Starlink broadband system for homes, businesses, and RVs, the T-Satellite tech is designed to beam data to everyday smartphones, no accessories needed.
How Do I Get T-Satellite? What If I Don’t Use T-Mobile?
Interested customers should go to T-Mobile’s dedicated website for satellite service. Existing T-Mobile subscribers can purchase the cellular Starlink service as an add-on by going into their account. But those on pricier plans (Experience Beyond and Go5G Next) get it as a free perk.
Meanwhile, US consumers on rival networks can also subscribe. T-Mobile is enabling satellite connectivity through a digital eSIM slot on supported phones. This means you can continue using your primary carrier but switch to the T-Satellite service through the secondary eSIM when you enter a cellular dead zone.
But in some bad news, non-T-Mobile customers will need to call the company at 877-686-8902 or visit a retail location to receive access. That’s slightly inconvenient; during the free beta program, the sign-up process was conducted entirely online. Instead, it looks like T-Mobile is trying to entice customers on other carriers to switch over to access the cellular Starlink service.
Some AT&T and Verizon users may already have access to T-Satellite by participating in the free beta. These users should now expect an extra $10 on their monthly bills.
T-Mobile tells us it notified beta users and “eligible customers” on June 23 that they’d be auto-enrolled in T-Satellite, effective July 23. Anyone else must “reactivate the service if they want to keep using T-Satellite,” the carrier says. If you no longer wish to use the service, you can remove it in “Manage Data & Add-Ons” in your account,” T-Mobile’s support page adds.
(Credit: T-Mobile)
Who Is This For?
If you live in a city or a densely populated suburb, cellular dead zones probably aren’t a big problem. But it’s common for people who live in rural or remote areas, where cell coverage is sparse. T-Satellite is designed to fix this by “eliminating dead zones for good,” according to T-Mobile. To do so, SpaceX uses special Starlink satellites to act as orbiting cell towers in space.
“No towers nearby? No problem. If you can see the sky, you’re connected,” T-Mobile said in today’s launch.
We tried the service last month, and it works as advertised, although momentary delays can occur when receiving or transmitting satellite-powered messages. The cellular Starlink won’t appeal to city dwellers, but if you’re planning long hiking or camping trips, it might be worthwhile.
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
The satellite connectivity activates when you enter a T-Mobile dead zone. Although it works best with a clear view of the sky, it still functions inside a car and when the phone’s in your pocket.
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T-Mobile also views satellite connectivity as a life-saving service for people in emergencies. “Later this year, T-Satellite will provide 911 texting service to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service,” the carrier said last month.
What Can I Do With the Satellite Connectivity?
(T-Mobile)
For now, the system is restricted to SMS messages and sharing your location. But it’s recently begun supporting MMS messages on certain Samsung and Motorola phones, allowing users to send images. On Oct. 1, T-Satellite is adding the ability to transmit data to a select group of third-party apps, including those from Google and Apple, AccuWeather, and hiking guide app AllTrails.
The list of supported apps will grow over time. Another major goal is to bring voice and video calls to the cellular Starlink system. But SpaceX might need to secure more radio spectrum before it can pull this off.
How Much Does T-Satellite Cost?
If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber on the Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans, you’ll receive the satellite connectivity for free. Everyone else, including users on rival carriers, will need to pay $10 per month, a slight decrease from T-Mobile’s original plan to charge $15 and $20 per month, respectively. T-Mobile also notes that if you’re a subscriber on the Experience More plan, you’ll receive free satellite service through the end of the year.
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Which Phones Are Supported?
The service works on close to 60 phone models, including devices that were released as far back as 2021. The devices include the iPhone 13 and up, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and higher, and Pixel 9 phones. You can find the full list at T-Mobile’s support page for the service. Expect the carrier to add more phones over time.
Where Exactly Does T-Satellite Work?
(Credit: T-Mobile)
T-Mobile has an online coverage map for the US. The bright pink areas are cellular dead zones, where the T-Satellite service should automatically activate. But if it’s a small, narrow dead zone, you might not always receive a connection, as our testing found.
Is the Service Available in Other Countries?
Yes, SpaceX has been offering satellite capability through mobile carriers in other markets. In Canada, the company has partnered with Rogers Communications to offer a free beta program before an official launch after October, when it will be CAD$15 per month. In New Zealand, cellular Starlink is available through One NZ.
Other carriers that plan on offering the service include Japan’s KDDI, Entel in Peru and Chile, and Optus and Telstra in Australia.
What About Other Satellite Services?
Apple’s satellite service being used for SMS messages. (Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
SpaceX isn’t the first to offer satellite-based messaging. Apple has it as a free feature on the iPhone 14 and up through a partnership with satellite provider Globalstar. We found the service to be competitive with T-Satellite during our own testing. Still, it’s unclear if Apple will continue offering satellite connectivity as a free perk or if it’ll start charging later this year.
Meanwhile, Verizon has been powering free satellite messaging for supported phones, including the Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 phones, with the help of Skylo.
Another major competitor is AST SpaceMobile, which is developing satellite connectivity to power video calls and internet downloads. Although the company needs to launch more satellites, AST is aiming to kick off commercial services early next year through partners including AT&T and Verizon.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
