After years of work, T-Mobile and SpaceX has officially launched their cellular Starlink service, allowing smartphone users to remain connected in dead zones.
As PCMag reports, this “T-Satellite” service has been available since January through a free beta program, which attracted about 1.8 million sign-ups. But as of July 23, T-Mobile now charges subscribers for T-Satellite, as competition in satellite-to-phone services heats up.
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.
Below are some FAQ’s, answered by PCMag tech experts.
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 states that it notified beta users and “eligible customers” on June 23 that they’d be auto-enrolled in T-Satellite, effective July 23. Everyone 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.
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 says.
PCMag editors tried the service in June, 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.
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.
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. (T-Mobile said T-Satellite was not impacted by the recent Starlink outage.)
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