T-Mobile and SpaceX's satellite beta program is now in full swing for some users.
Over the last few weeks, there have been several signs that the direct-to-cell service was about to kick off. The beta program was announced in November, shortly after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizedT-Mobile and SpaceX to offer supplemental coverage from space to users.
The service is now seemingly live for some Samsung users, with T-Mobile updating the Satellite networks page to inform users that they are subscribed to the satellite offering. As expected, only text messaging is supported for now.
A T-Mobile user who owns the Galaxy S24 Plus is now subscribed to the Starlink satellite service. | Image Credit - RoosterIntelligent32, Reddit
Apparently, T-Mobile will not necessarily email or text you to tell you that you have been approved for the beta program, so if you applied, you might want to check the Satellite network settings on your phone.
There's still no word on whether any beta users has had an opportunity to test out the service, but that might be because only a few users have been admitted into the program so far. After all, T-Mobile did say that the number of slots was limited.
You will not be connected to a satellite at all times. Instead, a connection will be established automatically if the mobile network is not available. For the best experience, you will want to have a clear view of the sky.
T-Mobile notes that satellite communication will not be as instantaneous as terrestrial communication and might only be available in some areas. Coverage will presumably improve as more satellites are deployed.
T-Mobile had initially hoped for a 2024 launch, but CEO Mike Sievert cautioned in September that it might start in early 2025. Only some phones, including Samsung flagships and iPhones, will be supported at first.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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