During the Super Bowl, one of the most followed sporting events in the United States, T-Mobile officially announced the launch of its satellite mobile connectivity service in partnership with Starlink. This innovative technology will allow users to stay connected in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable, eliminating the so-called “dead zones” on the mobile coverage map.
The service, which will initially allow the sending and receiving of text messages, is in free beta phase until July 2025. Starting from that date, it will be integrated into T-Mobile’s more expensive plans at no additional charge, while customers on other plans will have to pay $15 per month, with an offer of $10 for the first sign-ups. For customers of rival carriers Verizon and AT&T, the cost of the service will be $20 per month.
A solution for coverage gaps
According to estimates, there are approximately 1.3 million square kilometers without mobile coverage in the U.S., which equals over 500,000 square miles where terrestrial networks do not reach. Thanks to the alliance with Starlink, T-Mobile will offer satellite mobile coverage automatically, without users needing to perform manual configurations on their devices.
The service will operate with Starlink satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell technology, which operate at over 200 miles in altitude and at speeds exceeding 27,000 km/h. In the initial phase, connectivity will be limited to text and multimedia messages, while in a second stage, voice and data calls with basic browsing speeds will be enabled.
Connectivity without special devices
One of the main attractions of the service is that it does not require additional hardware, as compatible devices will automatically connect when they lose signal from terrestrial cell towers. This means that any user with a smartphone from the last four years will be able to access the satellite network without needing to purchase a traditional satellite phone.
Additionally, the service will be compatible with the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, allowing authorities to send critical notifications to citizens even in remote areas or those affected by natural disasters.
Service plans and costs
During the beta phase, the service will be available at no extra cost to users who sign up, but starting in July, the following fees will apply:
🔹 Free for customers on Go5G Next, Go5G Business Next, T-Priority, and other premium T-Mobile plans.
🔹 $15 per month for customers on other T-Mobile plans.
🔹 $10 per month for those who sign up for the beta before July.
🔹 $20 per month for Verizon and AT&T customers.
Global expansion and the future of satellite connectivity
The ambitious project by T-Mobile and Starlink is part of a broader plan to eliminate coverage gaps worldwide. Currently, the partnership already includes telecommunication operators in nine countries, including Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and Chile, among others.
The long-term goal is to allow customers of any of these operators to roam on the Starlink satellite network, ensuring global connectivity in any location with sky visibility.
With this technology, T-Mobile and Starlink aim not only to improve communication in rural and remote areas but also to ensure connectivity in emergency situations and natural disasters, providing a viable alternative to conventional terrestrial networks.
As technology evolves and new, higher-capacity satellites are developed, satellite connectivity is expected to compete directly with traditional networks in the future, offering faster speeds and truly universal coverage.
For more information about the beta registration and technical details of the service, interested parties can visit the official T-Mobile Starlink page.