T-Mobile Launches First US Satellite-to-Mobile Service

T-Mobile announced that its satellite-powered messaging service, T-Satellite, will officially launch on July 23, 2025. The service will initially support SMS texting, MMS, picture messages, and short audio clips, primarily for Android devices, with iPhone support to follow later.

This launch marks an important milestone as T-Mobile becomes the first US carrier to offer a commercial satellite-to-mobile network, aiming to provide connectivity where traditional cellular towers are unavailable.

Data Connectivity for Popular Apps Arrives in October

Starting October 1, T-Mobile will expand T-Satellite to support data connectivity for select third-party applications. This includes popular apps such as WhatsApp, X, AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, and Google.

This data service will enable users to access these applications in remote areas previously unreachable by conventional networks, improving communication and information access nationwide.

Did you know?
T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service is the first commercial satellite-to-mobile network in the United States, leveraging Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology to connect smartphones directly to orbiting satellites without additional hardware.

Partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink Powers the Network

T-Satellite operates through a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, which includes over 650 satellites orbiting approximately 200 miles above Earth. The service automatically connects compatible devices to this satellite network when cellular coverage is unavailable.

This collaboration leverages Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology, enabling seamless satellite communication without the need for specialized satellite phones or equipment.

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Pricing and Device Compatibility

T-Mobile includes the satellite service at no additional cost in its $100-per-month Experience Beyond plan and its older Go5G Next plans. Customers on other plans or from competing carriers such as AT&T and Verizon can add T-Satellite for $10 monthly.

T-Mobile states that approximately 75% of devices used by its current customers are compatible with the service, covering most smartphones manufactured within the last four years.

Market Impact and Competitive Positioning

T-Mobile’s launch positions it ahead of competitors in satellite-to-cellular technology. Unlike Verizon and AT&T, which back rival startup AST SpaceMobile, T-Mobile secured exclusive access to Starlink’s mobile internet service in the US for one year.

The service aims to eliminate mobile dead zones across more than 500,000 square miles, providing connectivity solutions in rural and remote regions where cellular networks do not reach.