T-Mobile Starlink starts beta program for its direct-to-cell satellite service

In 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX partnered to build a direct-to-cell satellite service. With the launch tentatively planned for 2024 it is finally here – in beta form, but you can sign up today over on t-mobile.com/satellite.

Actually, the T-Mobile Starlink service has already seen some use – it was enabled temporarily to allow people to reach emergency responders and their friends and family during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

T-Mobile is prioritizing first responders for the beta program as they play a critical role during emergencies. But the carrier will allow individuals to join in too. The Starlink service will be available to businesses as well.

What is T-Mobile Starlink? It uses Starlink satellites – there are 300+ satellites in orbit right now with more to launch soon – which act as regular cell towers, so your phone doesn’t need any special hardware (like the phones with satellite messaging available today).

Right now, Starlink only handles text messages – regular texts, no extra app needed – but in the future it will also support voice calls and even data. Unlike regular cell towers, the satellites can bring connectivity to 500,000 square miles in the US that currently have no cell coverage.

The launch of the beta comes after the FCC gave the green light (the way this works is using the terrestrial services, so it needs FCC approval). It will cover the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska and Puerto Rico and even the territorial waters.

T-Mobile says that you will be able to use Starlink in remote areas, but also on a plane and when traveling abroad. T-Mobile and SpaceX are building a coalition with other carriers around the world. Here are some of its members: KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile & Peru) and Rogers (Canada).

The T-Mobile Starlink beta service will go into operation early next year, but if you want to try it out, you should sign up now.

If you want to see T-Mobile Starlink in action, here is Mark Rober traveling to a remote lake to try it out.

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