Super news from T-Mobile: Verizon, AT&T customers get free Starlink connectivity until July
During tonight's Super Bowl 59 contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, T-Mobile scored first by breaking super news during a commercial break. The U.S. has 500,000 square miles that can't be reached by cellular signals. But thanks to T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service, those finding themselves in an area where they cannot be connected to signals from a cell tower can be connected using Starlink's Direct-to-Cell capabilities.
T-Mobile's Starlink service uses satellites orbiting 200 miles up in space traveling at a speed faster than 17,000 miles per hour to deliver text messages between devices. Soon, Starlink will add the ability to send and receive picture messages along with text. After that, the satellites will handle data and voice calls. When a user's phone moves out of the range of any cell tower, the device will connect automatically to the T-Mobile Starlink service. Starlink not only works on most smartphones released over the last four years, it also is not limited to any specific operating system.
"T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the US that automatically connects to your phone so you can be connected even where no cellular network reaches. It’s a massive technical achievement and an absolute game changer for ALL wireless users. We're still in the early days — I don’t want to overhype the experience during a beta test — but we’re officially putting ‘no bars’ on notice. Dead zones, your days are numbered at the Un-carrier."-Mike Sievert president, and CEO at T-Mobile
The Starlink feature, which is currently in beta, will be free until July. At that time, the service will be included for free on Go5G Next (including related plans like Go5G Next 55+). The satellite service will also be available at no cost to Business customers on Go5G Business Next, and to first responder agencies on T-Priority plans. T-Mobile customers on any other plan can have Starlink added for $15/month per line.
Through February, T-Mobile customers who have registered for the beta will be able to take a $10/month per line Early Adopter Discount, 33% off the full price. And T-Mobile customers aren't the only ones who can try Starlink. Those who are subscribed to any wireless carrier including Verizon and AT&T can try T-Mobile Starlink's satellite service on their current phones for free until July when the beta program comes to an end. Once the service launches in July, these subscribers will be charged $20 per month for each line.
T-Mobile promotes Starlink for all. | Image credit-PhoneArena
T-Mobile Starlink also broadcasts life-saving Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) nationwide to anyone within range of the signal with a compatible device. With Starlink, these important messages can be sent to those in remote areas not covered by cell service. For example, hikers on a remote trail can be informed when deadly weather is heading their way.
If you're interested in signing up for the beta and you're a consumer on T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, or any other wireless provider, tap on this link to register.
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