"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 at 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."
The T-Mobile Starlink beta program is now open to all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with compatible devices. Initially supporting text messaging, the service will expand to include voice and data capabilities in the near future. Registration is free, and T-Mobile is prioritizing first responders, recognizing their essential role in community safety.
Unlike traditional satellite communication services, Starlink's direct-to-cell constellation integrates seamlessly with T-Mobile's network, offering a user-friendly experience. Users will not need to search for a signal or elevate their devices, as messages can be sent and received just like any other cellular service.
The beta launch advances T-Mobile's "Experience Coverage Beyond" vision, delivering service across the continental U.S., Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and surrounding waters. Designed for outdoor coverage, the service aims to keep users connected even in off-grid locations, including remote landscapes, aircraft, or overseas.
Service tests conducted during recent emergencies, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, demonstrated the network's critical role in disaster communication. Customers with compatible devices successfully received emergency alerts and exchanged messages when no other connection was available. This early performance helped gather data to improve and expand the system.
Once fully operational, T-Mobile and Starlink anticipate the system will cover vast ocean regions and remote territories unreachable by cell towers, helping eliminate mobile dead zones and reduce reliance on expensive satellite phones. The companies are also expanding their global connectivity alliance, inviting wireless providers worldwide to join. Current partners include KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile and Peru), and Rogers (Canada), all of whom aim to offer reciprocal roaming for their users.
Spots for the beta program are limited. Consumers can register here.
Business customers and first responders can register here.
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