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T-Mobile Begins Cellular Starlink Beta, But It Only Works on These Samsung Phones
https://www.pcmag.com/news/t-mobile-begins-cellular-starlink-beta-but-it-only-works-on-these-samsung?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3yN6nHwBYuSpxBOcsu_XQDGmS1QR8K1BEa35peLUjMYn0OkEy5YrZ2knc_aem_sqLui8mKX8VYeZXFjkt0GA For now, T-Mobile restricts the beta for SpaceX's direct-to-cell Starlink system to Samsung S24 phones and two Galaxy foldable models. By Michael Kan January 14, 2025 Facebook Twitter Reddit Social Share Reddit Pinterest Flipboard LinkedIn Email Copied Error! Copy Link https://www.pcmag.com/news/t-mobile-begins-cellular-starlink-beta-but-it-only-works-on-these-samsung Comments (Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images) It looks like T-Mobile is now accepting customers into the free beta program for SpaceX’s cellular Starlink service—but only if you have the latest Samsung handsets. On Tuesday, a number of T-Mobile subscribers reported receiving access to T-Mobile's "direct-to-cell" Starlink beta program, which the company announced last month.T-Mobile has been notifying eligible customers through text messages, according to social media posts. One included a screenshot showing a T-Mobile account subscribed to the satellite network. The technology lets you send text messages without relying on traditional ground-based cell towers. Instead, the phone relays the text messages using orbiting Starlink satellites, giving consumers a way to remain connected in cellular dead zones, similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS satellite messaging for iPhones. When we asked about the beta launch, T-Mobile said: "We continue to make great progress toward a full beta test availability; more details to come soon." In the meantime, the carrier also published a new support document that reveals the cellular Starlink system only works on five Samsung models for now: the Galaxy Z Flip 6 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 6 5G, Galaxy S24 5G, Galaxy S24 Plus 5G, and Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G. “Text messages may take longer than normal to be sent while connected to the T-Mobile Starlink satellite network,” the support document says. “Picture and video messaging is not included during the beta phase.” Recommended by Our Editors Starlink's $50-Per-Month 'Backup' Plan Has One Big Downside Elon Musk Using Cybertrucks As Starlink Stations for LA Fire Relief AST SpaceMobile's Large Satellites to Roll and Tilt to Prevent Astronomy Interference Eligible phones will only switch to satellite connectivity if customers are in an area without traditional cell or roaming services. “Manually selecting the T-Mobile Starlink network will not work while other cellular connection options are available,” the document adds. “When connected to T-Mobile Starlink, your device will display T-Mobile SpaceX at the top-left side of your screen.” SpaceX recently secured approval from the FCC to operate the cellular Starlink technology commercially. T-Mobile has not announced pricing, but SpaceX plans to eventually support data and voice calls via the cellular Starlink service. T-Mobile has also activated the cellular Starlink tech for customers living in areas of Los Angeles devastated by the recent wildfires. The same satellites will also beam emergency alerts to all phones in the affected areas, regardless of carrier.
Suspended Lines - Not Even 30 Days Past Due
I was in complete shock when T-Mobile suspended our service not even 30 days past the due date. They turned them of 26 days past due. Charge $20 per line to be turned back on, $100 to turn all our phones back on for not even being 30 days past the due date. Our bill is typically never late, we have had a day or two behind over the years and maybe once or twice over the last 18 years that we have been with T-mobile we might have let a bill slide by and not realize it until we get next months bill. It is not a regular occurrence, you think they would have some grace period. I am still blown away that only 26 days late and they suspended our plan, per text at 8:00 A.M. on 2/2. As soon as I saw that they were going to suspend the lines if I didn't pay the past due pmt I settled up a little after 8:00 A.M that same morning. I had meant to pay it that Friday 1/31, but mom life and I got side tracked and it slipped. I knew my next bill was due 2/6 so it was on my mind that I needed to get the large balance paid. My phone wasn't shut off until later that night after 10:00p.m of 2/2, which was odd since I had settled up with them that morning and used my phone just fine that day. I noticed when I did get on my account that I paid to have the phones reactivated on 2/2 around 8:00 A.M which matched up to the confirmation time I received once I paid, shortly after receiving the notice of the lines possibly could be suspended. Then I have each lines showing on 2/2 at 10:02 p.m that they suspended the lines, which makes sense why a few calls I tried to make didn't go through. I later found out that the following morning 2/3 my friend had been trying to call me and none of her attempts had gone through until the late morning. Do you think that they have any information on past due bills and how long before they will suspend your lines anywhere to be found easily or at all? I don't always want or need to waste my time calling customer care, I prefer not to as they have gone to trash as well. Everyone is so rude and unhelpful. I guess T-mobile just does what ever pleases them and will suspend everyone at different times, as I saw someone was 33 day past their due date. They were stating/complaining how T-mobile was going to be suspending their line when they were ONLY 33 days past due. If I didn't have an old plan that was grandfathered in, I would NOT be staying with T-mobile.Gift Card Scam
I signed up for T Mobile internet at the end of August 2024. There was a promotion of a $300 gift card after a certain period of time. Still waiting. Called customer service today to see where the card was and conveniently they have no past promotions in their system like that. I have been a loyal customer for over 24 years, maybe its time to change carriers? Anyone scammed for the same promotion?
Protection 360
So even though I have protection 360 on my phone, why the hell I can’t do a claim for a mechanical/electrical issue? I was told I needed to go inside the store to have my phone inspected. I am trying to figure out the point into have insurance on your phone when they make it this complicated just to get a working phone!
Service…
For weeks my service and internet were fine but none of my outgoing calls were going through to people. It wouldn’t even dial it would just go to their voicemail. I received calls just fine. T-Mobile told me basically just update my phone (already updated) then turn it off and on again. Didn’t work. Went to Apple they said it was a carrier issue and they couldn’t help. Called T-Mobile again. They had me “reset my network settings”. That did help and now my calls are going through but my service is trash now, everywhere I go even outside I’m only getting ONE bar, two occasionally … I called T-Mobile and they said their tower is down and unsure how long it will take to fix but it’s been 2 weeks now?
Why is my LTE faster and more reliable than 5g
I have an iPhone SE (2022) in Sarasota FL and 5g is horrible and unreliable. I had to switch the phone to LTE to get any reasonable data activity and it’s much faster and more stable than 5g. I did many speed tests at different times of the day and LTE hands down is far superior to 5g. I don’t understand why? Any suggestions?
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