T-Mobile Launches Satellite-to-Cell Beta Trial with SpaceX's Starlink to End Mobile Dead Zones

By Madelaine Panganiban

Updated: Feb 10 2025, 02:45 AM EST

T-Mobile Launches Satellite-to-Cell Beta Trial with SpaceX’s Starlink to End — A T-Mobile sign hangs outside of a store on February 01, 2023 in Miami, Florida. The company reported that in the fourth quarter, profits more than tripled as it recorded lower costs tied to its merger with Sprint. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/Getty Images

T-Mobile has officially launched the beta trial for its innovative satellite-to-cell service, powered by SpaceX's Starlink.

The goal is to provide connectivity in remote areas and eliminate mobile dead zones across the US This new service will offer users the ability to send text messages even in places where traditional cell towers cannot reach.

The beta trial is currently free for all participants until July 2025. Afterward, it will be included at no extra cost for customers on the premium Go5G Next plan.

For other customers, the service will be available for $15 per month. T-Mobile is also offering a 33% discount to those who sign up for the trial, with the price dropping to $10 per month when the service is officially launched, Yahoo said.

T-Mobile Starlink Expands Coverage to 500,000+ Sq Miles, Starting with Text Messaging

According to Reuters, T-Mobile's satellite service, called T-Mobile Starlink, will cover more than 500,000 square miles in the US that were previously unreachable by traditional cell networks.

Initially, the service will only support text messaging, but T-Mobile plans to add voice and data capabilities in the future.

The company has been working with Apple and Google to integrate the satellite network into the operating systems of smartphones, making it compatible with devices from the last four years.

This move is a significant milestone for T-Mobile, as it is the first US wireless carrier to offer such a satellite service. "T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the US," said Mike Sievert, T-Mobile's CEO. The service will not only cater to T-Mobile customers but will also be available to users on rival networks such as Verizon and AT&T.

T-Mobile's partnership with SpaceX's Starlink aims to improve coverage in rural and underserved areas, where traditional cell towers are scarce. The service is expected to help boost the company's competitive edge by enhancing coverage, especially in smaller markets.

As the service evolves, T-Mobile plans to expand its capabilities, including offering multimedia messaging and eventually voice calls. This