T-Mobile and Starlink partnership and connectivity explained

T-Mobile's satellite program is supposed to be rolled out in July 2025; that's why the feedback from the ongoing beta testing program is extremely important. Satellite connectivity needs to kick off ASAP as there's no more time to lose.

We've waited long enough: this collaboration was announced as early as 2022. T-Mobile promised to offer text coverage across the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and territorial waters, even outside its network thanks to SpaceX's satellite launches.

Now, T-Mobile claims there are "330 and counting" satellites launched – "and more launching each month".

For the time being, the T-Mobile Starlink is free – but that's just for the beta testing period, mind you. When the satellite service is officially launched, it will cost additional $$$ to use. Some T-Mobile plans could get it for free, others will have to kick in extra $15-$20 per month. But if you need it, you'll surely pay for it, as it will prove indispensable.

After all, T-Mobile is promising something extraordinary here: a satellite connectivity service even for phones that do not have built-in hardware for satellite connectivity.

In essence, Starlink's low-orbit satellites will fill in when the ordinary, well-known surface-installed towers and cells are nowhere near. Think of remote, rural areas – or national parks, mountains, deserts, or parts of the ocean. So, the new service will be basically "cell towers in space", a.k.a. Direct-to-Cell satellites.

The goal is to eliminate dead zones by providing coverage for the 500,000 square miles of land in the US not covered by earth-bound cell towers – an area bigger than Spain and France… combined.

It sounds great: as long as you see the sky above, you can get T-Mobile connectivity.

Let's dive deeper!

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The T-Mobile and SpaceX satellite partnership

If the T-Mobile SpaceX collaboration goes as planned, it will be one of the better achievements of humanity: I'm sure we'll enjoy satellite connectivity in the (not very distant) future en masse.

T-Mobile's partnership with SpaceX is part of the telco's Coverage Above and Beyond plan that's designed to eliminate zones across the US with no mobile coverage by integrating Starlink's satellite network with T-Mobile's wireless service.

Near-total coverage is what both companies are after, even to the most remote areas that traditional cellular networks cannot reach due to terrain challenges, land-use restrictions… or sheer distance.

Currently, over 500,000 square miles of the US, along with large ocean areas, lack cell service from any provider. This collaboration seeks to change that by using Starlink satellites to connect directly to mobile phones without requiring new equipment.

As T-Mobile clarifies, customers' existing devices should work with the new network, ensuring connectivity in places like mountain ranges, deserts, national parks, and rural dead zones.

The service will initially support text messaging, including SMS, MMS (and some compatible messaging apps), and that's what the beta testing phase is focused on. Eventually, T-Mobile and SpaceX aim to expand to voice and data coverage, offering a full satellite-to-cellular experience, but I wouldn't bet any amount of money on this happening in 2025.

It's worth mentioning that beyond the US, T-Mobile is inviting global carriers to join the initiative, aiming to create a worldwide network without dead zones. Now that's ambitious.

How does Starlink work?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, one of Elon Musk's most important companies. Starlink is designed to provide high-speed internet access, especially in remote and rural areas where traditional internet options are limited or unavailable.

Instead of relying on underground cables or cell towers, Starlink uses a network of small satellites that orbit the Earth at low altitudes. These satellites receive signals from ground stations and relay them to user terminals, which are small satellite dishes that connect to a Wi-Fi router. This allows users to access the internet from almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

One of Starlink's main advantages is low latency, meaning there is little delay in data transmission. This is because its satellites orbit much closer to Earth than traditional satellite internet providers, resulting in faster speeds and better performance for activities like video calls and online gaming.

The service is available in different T-Mobile plans, including options for homes, businesses, and even vehicles. Users must purchase a Starlink kit, which includes a dish and router, and pay a monthly subscription fee. While weather conditions like heavy rain or snow can temporarily affect performance, the system is designed to function in various climates.

Of course, the T-Mobile Starlink service project won't require you to bring along a dish and router:



As far as speed goes, Starlink offers speeds of 50 to 250 Mbps, while 5G can reach 1 Gbps or more, depending on coverage.

5G is usually faster and more stable in urban areas with good infrastructure. Starlink, using satellites instead of towers, is better for rural or remote locations with limited 5G access.

Where 5G is strong, it’s the better option. Where it’s weak or unavailable, Starlink is a good alternative.

It remains to be seen how fast a phone would connect and send texts on the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service, but don't expect anything too crazy. At least not in the beginning.

Benefits of T-Mobile's satellite connectivity

T-Mobile's Starlink mobile service aims to bring satellite-based connectivity to areas where traditional cell towers cannot reach. That's quite the achievement.

By using satellites instead of ground-based infrastructure, the service eliminates dead zones, allowing customers to stay connected even in remote locations. And, as we've pointed out above, one of Starlink's main advantages is low latency.