What you need to know
- T-Mobile announced that its customers could start registering for its satellite service with Starlink as of Dec. 18, 2024.
- The company said the beta is "open and free" for its postpaid voice customers with a "compatible device," and T-Mobile's CEO further hinted that it won't be free for everyone at a recent earnings call.
- T-Mobile customers are slowly starting to gain access to the Starlink beta as of January 2025.
Update (Jan. 30, 5:00 p.m. ET): T-Mobile customers are beginning to gain access to the Starlink beta, bringing the satellite communication service to iOS and Android users. You can still register here, but the beta has "a limited number of openings." It's available to "all T-Mobile postpaid customers for free" as of now, and may become more limited when the offering exits beta and is available publicly.
Some users, like Scott Mitchell on X (formerly Twitter), are seeing a new settings page for satellite networks after being granted entry into the T-Mobile and Starlink beta.
Got into the T-Mobile starlink beta So exited @Starlink @elonmusk @TMobile pic.twitter.com/TeV9hl2Eg5January 14, 2025
In a post on X, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the beta began Jan. 27, 2025. Separately, Musk touted the network's capabilities beyond the direct-to-cell messaging offered by T-Mobile. "Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation," Musk wrote. "Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video."
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert revealed plans for the company to charge some customers for Starlink connectivity in an earnings call Wednesday, Jan. 29, as reported by PCMag. "We think this will be another reason — maybe the most compelling reason in a long time — to self select up our rate card." Sievert said. "This will be something that customers on our most valued pack plans will be able to benefit from. And so that's an area that we'll monetize."
Sievert also mentioned "a la carte" offerings for customers whose plans do not include the direct-to-cell satellite texting service free-of-charge. For now, anyone with a postpaid plan can register for a chance at the beta, which is now underway.
You can read the original Dec. 18, 2024 article below.
T-Mobile's joint effort in satellite communication with Starlink is getting underway for U.S. consumers.
According to a press release, the company announced that its customers can begin registering to beta test T-Mobile Starlink satellite service. The company states that the beta is "open and free for all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with a compatible device." These users/devices will be picked to enter on a "first come, first served" basis so, if you're interested, sign up as soon as possible.
While the program is opening its registration for U.S. T-Mobile customers, the post states it will prioritize first responder agencies and individuals.
T-Mobile says its satellite communication experience has been refined to become "much more user friendly." The company explained that it would utilize this upcoming beta test to see if its service could meet the "high standards" consumers expect. For those who get in, T-Mobile says there will be support for text messages; however, support for voice and data will arrive "over time."
Additionally, the company states more devices and customers will enter the beta as more satellites are launched into orbit to support them.
To sign up, users will be met with a short form to verify their name, email, and phone number. After, T-Mobile says it will deliver "regular updates" to those who've registered, as well as any required details if they're welcomed in. It's important to know that the beta isn't expected to start until "early 2025."
The T-Mobile Starlink satellite service is eyeing a 2025 launch. More importantly, while the beta is free to test, the post states more information about its official commercial service will detailed during launch.
The two companies are moving swiftly after the FCC gave the go-ahead for the service. T-Mobile and Starlink have been crafting this satellite-based service to facilitate the "end of dead zones" for U.S. consumers since 2022. Both companies will leverage a network of SpaceX broadband satellites for the heavy lifting. Moreover, during the beta, T-Mobile says its satellite coverage will provide a signal "almost everywhere."
Additionally, Apple has brought its satellite comms via "Emergency SOS," which is restricted to emergencies. T-Mobile and Starlink want its version to be more than that, as it looks to make the technology more "mainstream."
In December, SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch sent 20 satellites into orbit to support this venture between T-Mobile and Starlink. More importantly, Starlink states its new communication service is open for more than just consumers as it extends a hand to "any" telecom company.
