T-Mobile Starlink Beta Launches Nationwide

T-Mobile Starlink Beta Launches Nationwide
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 12, 2025

During one of the nation's most-watched sporting events, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) introduced its latest innovation in wireless connectivity-T-Mobile Starlink. Now available in public beta, this cutting-edge service, developed in partnership with Starlink, leverages advanced satellite-to-mobile technology to provide coverage in more than 500,000 square miles of the U.S. that lack traditional cellular reception. This area is nearly double the size of Texas, offering expanded access where cell towers are absent.

T-Mobile Starlink operates through specially designed satellites featuring Direct-to-Cell technology, orbiting over 200 miles above Earth at speeds exceeding 17,000 mph. Currently, the service supports text messaging, with future plans to integrate picture messaging, data, and voice calls. This innovation aims to bridge connectivity gaps, ensuring mobile coverage in remote locations, often referred to as dead zones.

"T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the U.S. 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," stated Mike Sievert, President and CEO of T-Mobile. "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."

Seamless Connectivity Without Additional Hardware

One of the key advantages of T-Mobile Starlink is its effortless integration with existing smartphones. When a user moves beyond conventional cellular coverage, their device automatically transitions to the Starlink satellite network. No manual switching or additional equipment is required. Standard text messages, including group texts and reactions, continue to function as usual. The service is compatible with most smartphones released in the past four years, eliminating the need for specialized hardware.

Additionally, T-Mobile Starlink ensures that users receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), further enhancing safety measures. This satellite-based alert system delivers crucial warnings and emergency notifications to anyone within range of a T-Mobile Starlink satellite, including those in isolated areas affected by natural disasters or severe weather conditions.

Beta Testing and Pricing Structure

The T-Mobile Starlink beta phase is free through July, after which it will be integrated at no extra cost into T-Mobile's Go5G Next plans, including Go5G Next 55+. Business customers on Go5G Business Next and first responders on T-Priority plans will also receive the service without additional charges. For customers on other plans, T-Mobile Starlink can be added for $15 per month per line.

For a limited time, customers registering for the beta can secure an Early Adopter Discount, reducing the monthly cost to $10 per line, a 33% savings off the standard rate.

Expanded Access for All Carriers

Recognizing that connectivity is essential for everyone, T-Mobile is also offering Verizon and AT&T customers the opportunity to try out Starlink's satellite service. During the beta period, users from these carriers can send and receive text messages via T-Mobile Starlink for free. Once the service officially launches in July, it will be available for $20 per month per line for non-T-Mobile customers.

Join the T-Mobile Starlink Beta

T-Mobile encourages individuals, businesses, and first responders across all carriers to participate in the beta phase. This phased rollout allows the company to refine service performance ahead of its full-scale launch in July. Those interested in signing up can find more details and registration links on T-Mobile's website.

Global Expansion and Industry Collaboration

As T-Mobile and Starlink push forward in their mission to eliminate mobile dead zones, they welcome international wireless providers to join their satellite-to-mobile initiative. Several major carriers, including KDDI (Japan), Telstra (Australia), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile and Peru), Rogers (Canada), and Kyivstar (Ukraine), have already signed on to the initiative, helping expand this technology worldwide.

For more insights into the technical collaboration between T-Mobile and SpaceX, additional details are available from Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile.