Earlier this week, T-Mobile announced that you can now register to beta test Starlink connectivity on your mobile phone, with actual testing expected to begin early next year – roughly two years after the initial announcement.
Back in 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a partnership to allow T-Mobile customers to utilize Starlink satellites – in an effort to eliminate deadzones for customers. This required SpaceX to design new direct-to-cell satellites, but according to T-Mobile, there are now more than 300 of them in orbit.
In the press release, T-Mobile announced that these new Starlink satellites will cover more than 500,000 square miles of land that aren’t currently served by cell towers. SpaceX will also continue to launch more of these direct-to-cell satellites over time, though a timeline wasn’t provided for when there’ll be a non-beta rollout.
During the beta, you’ll be able to send text messages – with voice and data support coming later.
Any postpaid T-Mobile customer can sign up, as well as businesses and first responders. Luckily, the beta test does not require any higher-end plan.
If you’re on a consumer plan, you can sign up for the beta here, and businesses/first responders can sign up for the beta at this link.
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