Coverage above and beyond.

T-Mobile, in partnership with SpaceX, is bringing truly universal coverage to customers everywhere in the U.S.

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It’s a different kind of satellite service.

Starting with text messaging in 2024, T-Mobile for Business will enable smartphones on its network to reach into orbit and directly send messages via Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellites. And, because the service operates in the 1900 MHz band, existing phones will be able to make the connection.

A model of a vehicle, satellite, ground station, T-Mobile core, cell tower, and automotive facility—all linked.

The new service, which has already tested text messaging, promises to extend cell service to remote locations that—until now—have not been covered by any network. Due to rugged terrain, land-use restrictions, wildlife reserves, and other issues, there are more than a half-million square miles of land not covered by terrestrial networks in the U.S. Now satellite-to-cellular service will be able to reach cars, trucks, trains, and even ships in those areas.

Text, starting 2024; Voice & Data, starting 2025; and IoT, starting 2025.

With a clear view of the sky, customers will be able to send texts from space. Starlink has already begun launching new satellites to support the Direct-to-Cell service, which eventually will also support voice, data, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, anywhere, any time.

It’s possible thanks to low-latency, low-orbit satellites cruising just 340 miles above the earth, versus geosynchronous satellites that have communications delays because they are typically more than 22,000 miles above the planet.

 

“Today is another step forward in keeping our customers connected even in the most remote locations for added peace of mind when they need it most.”

Mike Katz
President of Marketing, Strategy and Products, T-Mobile

Planet Earth surrounded by low-earth and geosynchronous satellites.

Finally, wireless will reach everyone.

We offer America’s largest 5G network, but until now existing gaps across the vast expanse within U.S. deserts, mountain ranges, and other hard-to-reach areas still often lacked cellular service. With satellite communications complementing our coverage, those gaps will disappear, with coverage supporting everything from backcountry adventures to remote work.


Satellite-to-cellular connectivity promises a wide range of consumer and business uses in wilderness, off-the-grid, and other remote locations. In the automotive industry, that includes passenger vehicles on highways that lack cellular coverage, heavy trucks hauling goods across the country, guided tours in national parks, and family RV vacations.

Tech that keeps you connected: working off-grid, but staying online.

Field service.

Last year, 1 in 5 employees in the U.S. worked remotely, making connectivity critical, no matter how far employees are from the office.1
 
Technicians who manage and maintain wind and solar farms, often located in remote areas, can use the service to communicate from their vehicles on the road.

A technician walks toward a pick-up truck in a field with windmills and electrical transmission towers.

Emergency response.

Over 100,000 search and rescue operations take place in the U.S. each year.2

Drivers can still reach out for assistance from remote locations—and first responders can keep in touch with dispatchers and call for additional support.

An ambulance drives in the mountains along a curvy road lined by evergreen trees and scrub.

Recreation.

More than 15 million people went camping for the first time in the last two years.3

Whether overland exploring national wilderness or reaching secluded campsites and trailheads, drivers of all-terrain vehicles can navigate and communicate during their expeditions.

A 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up camper on top is parked in view of a lake and a mountain.

Operating across the globe?

Planned international coverage through roaming agreements.

Through roaming agreements with other wireless providers, together with SpaceX we envision universal coverage across the U.S. and some of the most difficult terrain in the world.

World map pointing at Canada, Japan, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

In the future.

The T-Mobile for Business partnership with SpaceX eliminates virtually all of the latency problems that plague other satellite services. Starlink has already demonstrated how this works with high-speed internet access and plans to do the same with satellites around the moon and someday Mars. So when you finally hitch a ride to outer space, T-Mobile for Business may already be there to keep you connected.

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