With more than 300 direct-to-cell satellites in
orbit, T-Mobile and Starlink continue the march towards eliminating
mobile dead zones, readying to beta test the service early next
year
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS):
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With more than 300 direct-to-cell
satellites in orbit, T-Mobile and Starlink continue the march
towards eliminating mobile dead zones, readying to beta test the
service early next year (Photo: Business Wire)
What’s the news: Coming on the heels
of FCC approval, T-Mobile has opened registration for a beta
program for T-Mobile Starlink, a direct-to-cell satellite service
that will help eliminate dead zones by providing coverage for the
500,000 square miles of land in the United States not covered by
earth-bound cell towers
Why it matters: T-Mobile and Starlink
are preparing to beta test the new service that promises to make
dead zones yesterday’s news. By integrating satellites – basically
cell towers in space - into the T-Mobile network, the Un-carrier is
taking a major step forward in delivering its vision Experience
Coverage Beyond vision
Who it’s for: All T-Mobile customers -
including businesses and first responders - can register for access
to the beta launch
Eliminating dead zones with cell towers in space – aka
direct-to-cell satellites – is becoming a reality and hit a new
milestone today. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) opened registration for a
beta program coming early next year as Un-carrier partner and
satellite technology trailblazer, Starlink, continues to launch
direct-to-cell satellites into orbit at a rapid pace.
“T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit
constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular
spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S.
that have never, and probably never will, have ground based
coverage,” said Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and
Products, T-Mobile. “It’s a truly groundbreaking engineering
breakthrough and means that we are one step closer to helping
T-Mobile customers have confidence that, no matter where they are,
if they can see the sky, they will be covered by T-Mobile.”
YouTuber, tech mastermind, porch pirate foil
and former NASA engineer, Mark Rober tries out direct-to-cell
satellite messaging for the first time
Registration is now open and available to anyone interested in
staying up-to-date or trying T-Mobile Starlink for themselves. The
T-Mobile Starlink beta program is open and free for all T-Mobile
postpaid voice customers with a compatible device. The beta gives a
historic sneak peek to a not-so-distant future mostly free of
cellular dead zones. Initially, T-Mobile Starlink will support
texting with voice and data coming in the future.
Because of the critical role these first responder agencies and
individuals play in safeguarding our communities, T-Mobile is
prioritizing this audience for the beta program.
With Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite constellation
specifically designed for integration with the T-Mobile terrestrial
network, the experience is expected to be much more user friendly
than other satellite messaging services currently in market. For
example, users will not need to hold their phone up to search for a
signal. Both inbound and outbound messages are sent and received
just like any other message.
The coming beta test marks the next big step for T-Mobile
Experience Coverage Beyond, the Un-carrier’s vision to deliver the
best service practically everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii,
parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters, even outside
the signal of T-Mobile’s terrestrial cellular network. Off the
grid? No problem. On an airplane, overseas or at the latest
baseball game? T-Mobile has you covered.
Service When It Matters Most
While not yet ready for full commercial service, T-Mobile
Starlink was turned on temporarily to provide a critical
communication option for those without any other means to reach
emergency responders and loved ones during Hurricanes Helene and
Milton.
Even without the full constellation in place, customers with
capable devices were able to receive critical emergency alerts and
send and receive messages when satellites were overhead.
The system proved helpful for many that lost mobile and/or
broadband access and provided critical data that will help further
refine service.
Beta Program Sign Up
The beta will include text messaging initially with voice and
data on the road map for future service.
Details and registration for consumers can be found here.
Business customers and first responder agencies can register
here.
A Vision for Universal Coverage
When fully deployed, through direct-to-cell service, T-Mobile
and Starlink anticipate having the ability to cover well over half
a million square miles across the U.S. and vast ocean expanses that
can’t be reached by cell towers. By expanding connectivity to these
remote areas, the companies are working to say goodbye to mobile
dead zones and the need for costly satellite phones — allowing
Un-carrier customers to stay connected almost anywhere they go.
As T-Mobile and Starlink continue work towards global
connectivity, the companies welcome wireless providers from around
the world to join their growing alliance, which aims to provide
reciprocal roaming for all participating carriers. So far, KDDI
(Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt
(Switzerland), Entel (Chile & Peru) and Rogers (Canada) are
among the providers that have signed on to join the cause and
launch direct to cell technology. Learn more about the alliance and
how providers can join at direct.starlink.com.
Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up
to date with the latest company news.
Limited spots available for the beta test. All customers with
compatible device and postpaid T-Mobile voice plan are eligible for
T-Mobile Starlink Beta program. Developing technology available in
most areas, most of the time; ultimately available in most outdoor
areas where you can see the sky. Beta experience optimized on
select newer devices and will continue to test and extend to as
many devices as possible through future software updates.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged
Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative
nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for
all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of
value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best
possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption
that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its
subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by
T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit:
https://www.t-mobile.com
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