T-Mobile and Starlink have teamed together to provide T-Satellite with Starlink service in remote areas where tower signals can't reach.
About T-Satellite phone service
Stay connected in places never thought possible with T-Satellite – the largest satellite-to-mobile network in the world. T-Satellite with Starlink complements the existing T-Mobile network by acting as cell towers in space. This allows you to stay connected even when you are outside of the range of a cell tower. So, there’s no need for new apps or interfaces. It just works.
T-Satellite is launching with text via satellite – We have a roadmap to go beyond text messaging to deliver picture messaging, data services and voice calling in the future.
Things to know
T-Satellite performance may vary based on factors such as your location and the number of customers accessing the service. To enjoy the best possible experience, we recommend using the service outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
- Coverage may not be available on airplanes, inside buildings, cruise ships, and other places with an obstructed view of the sky.
- Coverage can be impacted by topography (e.g. mountains, canyons, tree cover, etc.)
- Due to ongoing regulatory coordination, there may be some areas in some states that do not have coverage.
- Whenever available, your device will prioritize connecting to T-Satellite for the best experience.
- Apple iPhone: If you see signal bars, the word ‘SAT,’ and the network name ‘T-Mobile SpaceX,’ you are connected to T-Satellite.
- Android: If you see a satellite icon and the network name ‘T-Mobile SpaceX,’ you are connected to T-Satellite.
Coverage availability
- T-Satellite currently covers the Continental US, Puerto Rico, and parts of southern Alaska.
- Check out our coverage map to see where T-Satellite satellite coverage is available. We are also collaborating with our global roaming partners and SpaceX to offer satellite services to our customers when traveling abroad or in international waters in the future.
Message delays
Messages may take longer – Your phone will continue to try to resend the message until it is successfully sent or fails. If the message fails, you will be notified of a failed message and prompted to attempt to resend.
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify pain points and optimize the experience. There are two easy ways to provide feedback:
- You’ll receive a text survey within a few days of your connection to a satellite
- You can send feedback at any time using our T-Life app. Open the app and lightly shake your device, which will bring up a help menu.
- Select Report an Issue
- Select T-Satellite
- Select the appropriate category
- Provide your feedback
- If you're trying to share feedback through the T-Life app while connected to T-Satellite, you may see a "no internet connection" message. Don’t worry! You can still submit your feedback, and it will be sent once you're connected to the T-Mobile cellular network.
Here is a list of devices that are currently compatible with T-Satellite beta.
| Apple | Motorola | Samsung | |
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| Motorola | Samsung | T-Mobile |
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Using T-Satellite on your device
T-Satellite currently supports sending and receiving text messages, location sharing and texting 911 emergency services while connected to Starlink's satellites, with plans to pursue voice and data coverage next. During the beta test, the T-Satellite services will only be available while in the US. This service will not work internationally at this time.
To send a text message while connected to T-Satellite, simply send texts as you usually would from your device.
- Messages may take longer to send during the beta phase.
- Picture/Video Messages: Picture and video messaging is not available during the beta phase.
Sending text messages to 911 Emergency Services
- To reach 911, enter '911' in the recipient field to connect with an emergency operator.
- Your location is automatically shared with 911 to help first responders locate you quickly.
- If calling 911, your device will search for an available network. If none are available, Starlink’s satellite emergency messaging service will be used.
Android OS
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Open a new/existing google message thread.
- Select the '+' icon.
- Select the Location icon. The one-time location URL is sent to the recipient.
Apple iOS
Through iMessage
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation or start a new message.
- Tap the Apps button.
- Tap Location.
- Tap the Pin icon.
- Tap Send Pin.
- Tap Send.
Through SMS/MMS (non-Apple phones)
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation or start a new message.
- Tap the Apps button.
- Tap Location.
- Tap Send Pin.
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