- T-Mobile initiates extensive testing of its satellite-to-cell service, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, to eliminate mobile dead zones and extend connectivity to remote areas.
- The beta trial, free until July, will later be included in T-Mobile’s premium Go5G Next plan at no extra cost.
What happened: T-Mobile, Starlink start testing of satellite-based connectivity
T-Mobile has launched a beta trial of its satellite-to-cell service, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, to eliminate mobile dead zones and extend connectivity to remote areas. The beta trial, announced during the Super Bowl, is free until July. Afterward, the service will be included in T-Mobile’s premium Go5G Next plan at no extra cost. Alternatively, it can be added to other plans for $15 per month after its commercial launch this summer. Initially offering text services, voice and data features will be added later. T-Mobile’s initiative could represent a significant shift in mobile connectivity, ensuring coverage globally, especially for 500,000 square miles in the U.S. previously unreachable by terrestrial cell towers. This service, compatible with most smartphones from the past four years, will also be available to customers of rival telecom firms AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile has collaborated with Apple and Google to integrate this service into their operating systems, enhancing seamless user experience.
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Why it’s important
T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink have partnered to enhance mobile connectivity. They aim to eliminate dead zones and extend coverage to remote areas. This initiative bridges the gap between traditional cell networks and satellite technology. The service will be compatible with most smartphones from the past four years. T-Mobile has collaborated with Apple and Google to integrate this service into their operating systems. This development sets a new standard in mobile connectivity, offering reliable service in previously underserved areas.
