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- T-Mobile and Starlink announced a satellite-to-cell service to help eliminate “dead zones.”
- The service provides connectivity in areas not covered by cellular networks.
- T-Mobile Starlink will also be available to customers of other cell networks.
T-Mobile is targeting cell “dead zones” by offering satellite connectivity with Starlink for both iPhone and Android users.
The network used an ad during the Super Bowl on Sunday night to launch the beta version of the satellite-to-cell service, which will also be available for customers of competitors such as Verizon and AT&T.
CEO Mike Sievert said in a press release that T-Mobile Starlink will automatically connect to compatible devices with no cellular coverage. “It’s a massive technical achievement and an absolute game changer for all wireless users … we’re officially putting ‘no bars’ on notice,” he said.
Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides coverage from satellites, meaning users will be able to send and receive text messages in areas not covered by mobile towers on the ground. About half a million square miles of the US lacks cell coverage — an area close to the equivalent of two states the size of Texas.
Data and voice call coverage will follow later, T-Mobile said.
The Starlink service will be free until July for a limited number of testers. After that, T-Mobile customers on the Go5G Next plan will continue to have free service. Those on other plans will be charged $15 a month, discounted to $10 if they sign up before the end of February.
Customers on other networks will be charged $20 a month.
Potential users can sign up here.
Mobile networks providing similar satellite coverage in conjunction with Starlink include Rogers in Canada, Japan’s KDDI, Telstra and Optus in Australia, Salt in Switzerland, and Ukraine’s Kyivstar.
Starlink traffic tripled in 2024 after launching in more countries including Chad, Mongolia, and Argentina.
It is also offered on flights from airlines including United, Air France, and Qatar.
Elon Musk also donated free Starlink terminals to Los Angeles when the city was battling wildfires in January.
T-Mobile shares rose 4% in premarket trading in New York. The stock has risen more than 50% over the past 12 months, valuing the company at $281 billion.
