Starlink, the satellite constellation that delivers internet access to people in remote regions across the world, is coming straight to your phone. This new satellite-to-cell service is a partnership between T-Mobile, SpaceX and Starlink, and with it you can send and receive text messages even when you don’t have service.
In December, T-Mobile opened up the Starlink satellite service beta program to its US customers, and it’s still open for anyone who wants to apply, at no additional cost.
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However, access is limited during the T-Mobile Starlink beta. If you’re a T-Mobile customer living in the US, you must have an optimized phone, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9. During the Super Bowl, T-Mobile announced that AT&T, Verizon and other phone carrier customers can also try out T-Mobile Starlink satellite service for free, for a limited time.
If you’re interested in trying out the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service for yourself and don’t know where to start, here’s everything you need to know.
What exactly is the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service and how does it work?
In August 2022, during a live event, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced Coverage Above and Beyond, a plan for bringing cellphone connectivity everywhere in the US, even in the most remote regions. T-Mobile’s wireless network would leverage Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites — more than 300 of them — to provide “near complete coverage” to all 500,000 square miles in the US that are not covered by cell towers, essentially eliminating dead zones.
If you’re in an area without cell service, like Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon, your phone will automatically connect to the nearest T-Mobile Starlink satellite, acting like a floating cellphone tower, to give you service, as long as there’s nothing obstructing the connection between your phone and the sky.
This partnership has been years in the making.
What can you do with the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service?
You can use the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service to send and receive text messages on your supported phone — for free. That includes text messages to 911 in case of an emergency. Plans are in place to add support for picture messaging, voice calls, and data soon — but for most users, it will come at a cost.
Every Galaxy S24 model supports the Starlink service.
You must also be accepted into the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service beta program. The next section will explain how to sign up.
How can I join the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service beta program?
If you meet the requirements listed in the previous section, go to T-Mobile’s satellite phone service website and register with your full name, email and T-Mobile phone number. Once you’ve been verified, you’ll receive confirmation that you’re on the waitlist for the Starlink satellite service via email.
