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T-Mobile announced today that starting in July, customers on its premium Go5G Next plan will receive satellite-to-phone connectivity via SpaceX’s Starlink at no extra cost. For all other plans, this service will be available for $15 per line per month.
T-Mobile is planning to offer Starlink access to AT&T and Verizon customers as well, and each line will cost $20 per month. This is the fascinating bit. The only thing they’ll need, according to T-Mobile’s SVP of marketing Clint Patterson, is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with eSIMs.
Patterson states, “They add a second SIM to the phone” in order to access cellular Starlink. When you’re in a place without cell service on the ground, you can still receive SMS messages sent via satellite with the T-Mobile-Starlink eSIM.
Device Compatibility and Expansion Plans
Over time, T-Mobile will add more device models to an online list of supported phones. “We’ve done a lot of work with OEMs and handset providers. “So this will work on most smartphones from the last four years,” Patterson explains. “When you see that list, you’ll see things like Galaxy S21 and later, iPhone 14 and later.”
Following the conclusion of the free test beta period announced in December, T-Mobile intends to formally debut its cellular Starlink service in July. In a Super Bowl commercial, the carrier announced T-Mobile’s cooperation with SpaceX. The resultant “space-based network,” which includes more than 400 satellites, can transmit data to regular cell phones on Earth, allowing users to stay connected even when they’re in an area without cell service.
The company extended an invitation last month to a small group of T-Mobile customers who own Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel handsets to test out the satellite connection. Things go a step further in the Super Bowl commercial when T-Mobile announces it would open up the free beta program to “anyone on any wireless carrier.”
*This promotion is valid till July*. At this time, SMS-based text messaging is the sole capability that dead zones with satellite access can enable. However, after engaging in some regulatory lobbying, SpaceX intends to eventually launch capability for voice conversations and data downloads.
T-Mobile’s Long-Term Starlink Plans
Starting in July, T-Mobile Starlink will be available at no additional cost for:
- Select premium rate plans
- First responder agencies on T-Priority
- Business customers on Go5G Business Next
With AT&T SpaceMobile and Verizon Skylo, two competing satellite companies, the decision to add rival carriers is bound to cause a stir. On the other hand, AST has a minimum of a few months before it can sell its satellite-to-phone service to the general public.
In November, SpaceX was given the go-ahead by the FCC to start running the cellular Starlink service for commercial purposes. With this license, SpaceX can transmit satellite data to approved devices using T-Mobile’s 1900 MHz radio spectrum.
