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Asif Mohammad Sovon
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Asif Mohammad Sovon @asif_mohammad_sovon

Meet Asif Mohammad Sovon, an IT Assistant in the Bangladesh Air Force and a tech writer for Fileion....

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Feb 11, 2025

T-Mobile and Starlink Join Forces: Beta Verizon Test for Satellite-Powered Mobile Coverage Begins

T-Mobile-is-accepting-applications-from-subscribers-who-want-to-join-the-Starlink-beta-program
T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink have announced the beta launch of their satellite-to-cell service, which will eliminate cellular blank spots and extend connectivity to remote areas. According to the official announcement, the satellite connectivity service will cover an area of "500,000 square miles of the US without traditional cell towers." According to T-Mobile, the beta trial is free up to July 2025.
The fun part is that T-Mobile also plans to offer the service to users of competitive firms like AT&T and Verizon without requiring them to switch carriers, but ultimately it is an advertisement for switching to T-Mobile.
 
A classy quote from T-mobile,
  “Join the beta and turn your phone into a satellite phone.”

T-Mobile said in its announcement,

"T-Mobile Starlink utilizes specially configured satellites with Direct-to-Cell capabilities, orbiting the Earth over 200 miles above and traveling at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour to deliver cell phone signals."

What is Direct-to-Cell?

Direct to Cell is a technology that enables standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing the need for traditional cell towers.This allows for seamless communication in remote areas, oceans, and other locations where regular network coverage is unavailable. Companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and AST SpaceMobile are developing this technology to provide global connectivity without the need for specialized satellite phones.

Announced prices for different client types are shown in the table:

User Type
Pricing Details
T-Mobile Users
 
- Included in the Go5G Next plan at no extra cost.
- Other T-Mobile customers can get it for $15/month per line.
- Beta subscribers get 33% off (around $5 discount).
Non-T-Mobile Users
- Available to users of AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers.
- Service costs $20/month when fully launched.
- Acts as an incentive to switch to T-Mobile.
Businesses & First Responders
- Included in premium rate plans for businesses and first responders.
- Included in Go5G Business Next and T-Priority plans for first responder agencies.
 

Mike Sievert, the President and CEO of T-Mobile, stated:

“ T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the U.S. that automatically connects to your phone, ensuring you stay connected even in areas with no cellular coverage. This is a significant technical achievement and a game-changer for all wireless users. While we are still in the early stages—so I don’t want to overhype the experience during this beta test—we are officially putting ‘no bars’ on notice. Dead zones, your days are numbered at the Un-carrier. “
 
Currently, The service offers only text services, voice, and data features will be added later. Here you can sign up for a beta test: https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service#sign-up-form
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