Within two weeks, you might be capable of sending a text message—or even a photograph, video, or audio recording—from far within a national park or mountain range. This is the vision T-Mobile has for the future through its collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink.
satellite service
is set to debut on July 23. The partnership will offer a direct-to-device messaging service known as T-Satellite, which will also be accessible to AT&T and Verizon.
cellphone
customers.
T-Mobile says
Its objective is to “end mobile dead zones permanently” through 657 Starlink satellites dedicated solely to cellular services. T-Satellite has been in beta testing since December 2024, with almost 1.8 million users registering thus far.
The instant message delivery system marks a significant advancement in wireless technology: As stated by T-Mobile, it functions with nearly all devices produced over the past four years, eliminating the necessity for specialized equipment. This feature will cost $10 per month for subscribers of T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon — but it’s complimentary for those enrolled in T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans.
“Ultimately, it’s pleasant to take a photo when you’re somewhere without signal, but being able to reach emergency services is essential,” said Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products at T-Mobile.
told ‘s Jeff Carlson
We simply believe that with such technology, no customer should ever find themselves disconnected during an urgent situation.
Nevertheless, you could still gain advantages even without signing up, since T-Mobile will offer the service at no cost for emergencies. The company stated that 911 messaging will be accessible this year to “any mobile user with a supported device, irrespective of their carrier or subscription status to the service.”
What is T-Satellite?
T-Satellite is an collaboration between
T-Mobile
and
Starlink
which enables direct-to-device SMS communication in regions without mobile network access. Starlink has
over 7,000 satellites in low Earth orbit
in the sky, and now, 657 of them will focus exclusively on T-Satellite. T-Mobile states the objective is to extend service to the 500,000 square miles across the U.S. where conventional cell towers cannot provide coverage.
“When you move away from the regular cellular network and enter an area without coverage, your phone will automatically look for and link to the satellite network, which is significantly different from other satellite systems currently available, as they require manual connection and involve pointing your device toward the sky,” explains Katz.
Satellite communication in mobile phones isn’t entirely novel — iPhones have included this feature.
since 2022
– however, it has usually been used for SOS messages to reach an emergency operator. Starting July 23, T-Satellite subscribers will have the ability to send SMS texts via
iPhone
And Android. Android users will also receive MMS right away, with iPhone support “coming next.”
This indicates that users will have the ability to transmit pictures and sound recordings along with regular text messages. By October, the service will extend to offer data functionality within third-party applications such as AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp, and X. This capability leverages features integrated into iOS and Android systems, allowing programmers to enable their apps to deliver information using the limited bandwidth provided by satellites.
This surpasses anything other mobile network providers have introduced in the satellite area — primarily because of T-Mobile’s collaboration with Starlink. AT&T and Verizon have also teamed up with AST SpaceMobile for satellite texting, and
Verizon shared with Eli Blumenthal
Last year, it was still planned to collaborate with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which
deployed its initial set of 27 satellites
on April 28, 2025
“Although what our rivals have stated, they are significantly lagging in terms of this technology,” says Katz.
What is the price of T-Satellite?
On July 23, T-Satellite will offer a standalone subscription fee of $10 per month for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon subscribers. However, there is an exception: clients enrolled in T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan (priced at $100 monthly for one device) or the Go5G Next plan will have access to the service as part of their current plan costs moving ahead, whereas those with the Experience More plan (costing $85 each month) will continue receiving it until the conclusion of this year.
Even if you don’t opt for the $10 monthly fee, T-Mobile states that 911 messaging will be accessible later this year “for any mobile user who has a suitable device, irrespective of their service provider.”
If you’re a Verizon or AT&T user, you’ll need to set up T-Satellite as a secondary eSIM on your device to use the service. You can locate
steps for configuring the eSIM here
.
Which phones are supported?
Many smartphones launched in recent years are compatible with T-Satellite. Below is the list of devices that are presently supported by the beta version:
Apple
- iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 (all versions)
Google
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9A
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Max
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Flip
Motorola
- Moto G Stylus 2025
- Moto Razr 2024
- Moto Razr Plus 2024
- Moto Razr 2025
- Moto Razr Plus 2025
- Moto Razr Ultra 2025
- Moto Razr Ultra Plus 2025
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A25 5G SE*
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A36
- Samsung Galaxy A36 SE
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G*
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
*Certain non-T-Mobile device models do not support satellite functionality.*
*Not all devices from other manufacturers have satellite capabilities.*
*Some versions of devices not made by T-Mobile lack satellite access.*
*Satellite capability may not be available on some non-T-Mobile phones.*
*Certain non-T-Mobile handsets are unable to connect via satellites.*
On July 23, when T-Satellite is launched, the following devices will also work with it:
Motorola
- Motorola Edge 2024
- Moto G 2024
- Moto G Stylus 2024
- Moto G 5G 2024
- Moto G Stylus 5G 2024
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung Galaxy A15*
- Samsung Galaxy A16
- Samsung Galaxy A35
- Samsung Galaxy A53*
-
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
*Certain non-T-Mobile device models do not support satellite functionality.
T-Mobile
- T-Mobile Revvl 7
- T-Mobile Revvl 7 Pro
How to access T-Mobile’s Starlink service right now
If you’re eager to experience T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite messaging service and aren’t willing to wait until July 23, you may still have options to explore.
register for the trial
join the early access program
enroll in the pilot version
get involved in the testing phase
participate in the initial release
apply for the preview edition
become part of the test group
access the pre-launch opportunity
signup for the experimental version
enter the development stage
I wouldn’t expect much either — when I submitted my details, I received a response stating, “Because of heavy interest, we’re accepting beta testers gradually. Watch for an announcement in the next few weeks.”
