Although T-Mobile is launching its cellular Starlink service today, a key restriction risks complicating access for consumers on rival carriers, including AT&T and Verizon.
Prior to today’s launch, T-Mobile had been offering access to the satellite feature as part of a free beta program, which was also open to AT&T and Verizon customers. Importantly, the sign-up and setup process occurred entirely online through T-Mobile’s website.
The satellite feature, called T-Satellite, is still available to consumers on rival carriers for $10 per month. But on Wednesday, the company revised the signup process. “Non-T-Mobile customers can still sign up for T-Satellite by calling 1-888-781-6103 or visiting a Retail store,” the company’s website now says.
Meanwhile, existing T-Mobile subscribers can purchase access for $10 per month by going to their account’s “Manage Data & Add-Ons.” On the more expensive plans, the satellite feature is free. (Credit: T-Mobile)
For non-T-Mobile customers, this new process is less convenient than before. In our own experience, while enrolled in the beta program, we were able to add the satellite service with relative ease by registering a secondary eSIM card to an iPhone that was subscribed to AT&T. The whole process took about five minutes.
However, T-Mobile says it has good reasons for making the change. “Since T-Satellite is now commercially available we wanted to ensure there wasn’t any confusion around the setup or activation process which is why we are directing non T-Mobile customers to call or visit a retail store,” the carrier tells PCMag.
We suspect the same process gives T-Mobile an opportunity to explain the technology to less knowledgeable consumers and set proper expectations. For now, the service is restricted to text messaging and sharing locations. In addition, the system only supports around 60 phone models dating back to 2021.
The new sign-up process could also steer users toward switching to the carrier, rather than merely subscribing to the satellite feature. The website for T-Satellite prominently features an “upgrade your plan” button at the top, which leads you to another page that touts: “Switch and save at least 20% vs. AT&T and Verizon.” The same site even takes some shots at AT&T and Verizon, claiming both carriers are lagging behind on their own satellite capabilities.
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(Credit: T-Mobile)
The other factor is that T-Mobile already faced a flood of interest from consumers during the free beta period. “Over the past six months, nearly 2 million users — including those on Verizon and AT&T — tested the service in beta,” the company tells PCMag. So it’s possible T-Mobile has already lured the consumers it was looking to target.
In our case, we expected the company to begin charging us for the T-Satellite service starting today. But our account for the beta trial says we’ll continue to receive free access until Sept. 30, when we’ll need to start paying $10 per month.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
