The Starlink
Now available directly on your phone is Starlink, the constellation of satellites that provides internet connectivity to individuals in distant areas of the world. As long as you have a clean view of the sky, you may send and receive text messages using this new satellite-to-cell service, which is a collaboration between T-Mobile, SpaceX, and Starlink.

The Starlink satellite service beta test was made available to T-Mobile’s US customers in December, and anyone who wishes to register is still welcome.

But during the T-Mobile Starlink beta, access is restricted. For the time being, you have to be a US-based T-Mobile user with a “optimized” phone—likely a more recent model. First, you had topossess one of the select few Samsung Galaxy gadgets, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the program is now available to iPhone users using iOS 18.3 and even Google Pixel 9.

Here is all the information you need if you want to test out the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service for yourself but are unsure where to begin.

How does the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service operate and what is it exactly?

During a live event in August 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX unveiled Coverage Above and Beyond, a strategy to provide mobile phone service throughout the United States, including themost isolated areas. In order to give “near complete coverage” to the 500,000 square miles of the United States that are not covered by cell towers, T-Mobile’s wireless network would make use of Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites, of which there are more than 300. This would effectively eliminate dead zones.

As long as there is nothing blocking your phone’s view of the sky, your T-Mobile phone may connect to the closest Starlink satellite, which functions as a floating cellular tower, to provide coverage if you’re in an area without cell service, such as Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon.

Phones with the AT&T and Cox Communications logos
This collaboration has been developing for years.

With the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service, what are your options?

The T-Mobile Starlink satellite service allows you to transmitGet get free text messages on your compatible phone. Voice and data service are planned to be added shortly, however there could be a fee.The logo of iMessage on an iPhone
You will eventually be able to use Starlink to browse the web.

The T-Mobile Starlink satellite service is available to whom?
Currently, in order to utilize the Starlink satellite service on your phone, you must fulfill the following requirements:

You have to have a T-Mobile account. First responders and companies are included in this. I apologize to everyone with a prepaid account; you must have a postpaid subscription.
Your phone must be optimized. Only a few Samsung phones, such as the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24, are available at this time.Additionally, the Starlink service is compatible with iPhone devices running iOS 18.3. However, this is merely for the beta launch; this functionality will soon be available on more phones.
A Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Plus, and basic on a CNET backdrop with a yellow gradient.
The Starlink service is compatible with all Galaxy S24 models.
It goes without saying that you must also be approved to participate in the beta program for T-Mobile Starlink satellite service. How to sign up is described in the following section.

How can I sign up for the beta program for T-Mobile Starlink satellite service?

Visit T-Mobile’s satellite phone service website and register using your complete name, email address, and T-Mobile phone number, provided that you match the conditions mentioned in the preceding section. Following verification, you’ll get an email confirming that you’re onthe Starlink satellite service wait list by email.

Activating the Starlink service on T-Mobile
Note: You must register here if you are a business.
Not everyone will be able to join during the beta launch due to capacity limitations, but you have a greater chance of getting approved if you have a phone that is “optimized,” or newer. When you are accepted into the program, you ought to be notified via text or email. More people will be able to sign up once the program moves past the testing phase.

Things concerning the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service that we do not yet know
There are still many unknowns because the satellite-to-cell service is currently under beta testing and invites are being given out gradually:

What will theHow much will the T-Mobile Starlink service cost once the beta is over? T-Mobile’s sign-up page states that “T-Mobile Starlink is free during the beta test,” yet this is still unclear. At launch, we will give further information regarding the commercial service.
Is the data limitation in place? It’s unclear, however there could be subscription packages with limitless data.
Is a list of all the phones that are compatible with T-Mobile Starlink available? We don’t yet have a complete list of all the phones that will be compatible with the service, so it’s currently limited to a few Samsung, Google, and iPhone devices. This message has been sent to some beta participants with outdated phones, “T-Mobile: We appreciate you showing interest in T-Mobile.Starlink beta. We’re optimizing T-Mobile Starlink beta for newer handsets (most of which were introduced in the previous two years) to guarantee the greatest possible experience and service dependability. Please remain tuned as more devices will be enhanced over time. Learn more: When more information becomes available, we’ll update this article.