T-Mobile garnered attention during the Super Bowl this year by announcing the launch details and pricing for its T-Mobile Starlink service. Interestingly, you don’t need to be a T-Mobile subscriber to access this service.
Initially, T-Mobile is accepting sign-ups for the beta version of T-Mobile Starlink, and enjoying free access until the service exits beta in July.
Moreover, testing the T-Mobile Starlink beta doesn’t necessitate being a T-Mobile customer. The carrier is offering free access to consumers using other carriers, eliminating the need for a switch.
Once T-Mobile Starlink officially launches in July, it will be part of Go5G Next plans at no extra charge.
T-Mobile customers on other plans can avail the satellite service for an additional $15/month.
If you’re not a T-Mobile subscriber, access will be available for $20/month.
While this pricing may seem high for connectivity designed specifically for outdoor use in areas lacking cell coverage, it’s surprising to learn that T-Mobile Starlink doesn’t require a T-Mobile subscription.
Here’s an excerpt from today’s announcement:
“Currently in public beta, this innovative service, developed in collaboration with Starlink, utilizes advanced satellite and mobile communication technology, reminiscent of science fiction, to ensure connectivity — even for Verizon and AT&T customers — in over 500,000 square miles of the country that remain unreachable by traditional cell towers. That’s roughly the size of two Texases!”
T-Mobile Starlink employs specially designed satellites with Direct-to-Cell capabilities orbiting more than 200 miles above the Earth and traveling at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour. This allows for the transmission of cell phone signals — starting with text messages and later expanding to picture messages, data, and voice calls — to and from areas where traditional cell towers can’t reach (often referred to as mobile dead zones).
As a reminder, the T-Mobile Starlink service is an optional add-on available via T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX. Apple’s involvement is limited to supporting T-Mobile’s network. With iOS 18.3, iPhone users are given the option to opt-out of their carrier’s satellite-connected features, but this software update does not automatically install Starlink on every iPhone.
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