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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.
Phone signal is very weak in my house
The T-Mobile phone signal in my home is consistently weak, with the signal indicator frequently displaying 0 or 1 bar. As a result, I often experience difficulties in receiving or making calls at home. Even when connectivity is established, the audio quality tends to be unstable. I am currently exploring solutions to enhance the signal strength within my home. To my knowledge, T-Mobile previously offered free signal boosters for areas with weak coverage; however, this option appears to no longer be available. After conducting research online, I have identified several potential solutions for improving phone signal strength, including CellSpot, Femtocells, and standalone signal boosters. I would like to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Could you recommend the most suitable choice based on your expertise?
Group Messaging
I'm using an iPhone 14 and I’m trying to send group messages that include both iPhone and Android users. I can send the group message, but the replies come back as individual texts instead of staying in the group thread. I noticed that in Settings > Messages, I have MMS Messaging enabled, but I don’t see the “Group Messaging” option at all. Can anyone help with this?Horrible Customer Service/Hulu on us
First and foremost, this company has the absolute worst customer service possible. Every representative i’ve encountered with the exception of David are criminally incompetent. I’ve been reaching out to get Hulu on us activated since 1/10. They said it’s normal to require a card on hulu but considering ive been charged by hulu each month since, clearly shows somethings not right. Every single supervisor I interacted with about this issue has shared the same 1/4 of a brain cell. As someone who works in a customer service call center, the way my situation has been handled each and every time is disappointing. I’m disgusted that i’ve stayed with a company this long who has such little regards to ensuring the customers inquiry is actually resolved. Imagine making a customer who doesn’t reach out about their bill crash out because for months the problem hasn’t been fixed. Ive already filed complaints with BBB and the FCC at this point. All of this and still NO hulu on us.
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