Starlink-powered ‘T-Satellite’ service is now live on T-Mobile

The T-Mobile satellite service is now accessible to people in the United States-and not just T-Mobile customers. On Wednesday, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced that the service fueled by Starlink was officially out of the beta version, although it only takes text messaging and location sharing for the moment.

The new satellite coverage option is called “T-Satellite” and is currently available as a standalone. It is offered at $ 10 per month for a “limited time”, before increasing to $ 15 per month. It is also included for customers of the experience of $ 100 per month per beyond or older Go5G plans.

Your device will automatically connect to T-Satellite if you are in a zone without a cell cover. As long as there is not a large amount of cloud coverage or trees blocking your sky view, you should be able to send and receive SMS, including 911, as well as sharing a link that temporarily follows your location. The T-Mobile assistance page indicates that the possibility of sending photos is available on “most” of Android phones, and the company plans to add the care of more devices soon.

T-Mobile also aims to activate voice messages and will allow devices to connect to “satellite optimized” applications, which, according to him, could include Alltrails, Accuweather and Whatsapp. The more than 650 Starlink satellites used by T-Mobile cover the United States, Hawaii, certain parts of southern Alaska and Puerto Rico. The carrier says that he is working to offer satellite connectivity abroad and in international waters as well.

Apple currently offers the possibility of sending free SMS and emergency messages for the iPhone 14 and later, but it plans to invoice it (there are still no details on the price). Google has also added SOS satellite functionality to Pixel 9 which is free to use for two years after activation. Although registration in the satellite service via T-Mobile may seem redundant, the carrier offers support for more phones and also plans to add new capacities such as image and voicemail.

In order to use T-Satellite, you will have to have a unlocked device with the management of ESMS and satellite connectivity. Currently, more than 60 different phones can use T-Satellite, including the iPhone 13 and UP, Google Pixel 9, and the Samsung Galaxy 21 and more recent. You can display the full list of eligible devices on the T-Mobile website.