Heads up, folks: T-Mobile’s space-age plan to keep you connected even off the grid is finally ready for launch! Teaming up with SpaceX’s Starlink, T-Mobile is rolling out its satellite-powered texting service — fittingly named “T-Satellite” — starting July 23.
So, what’s the deal? At first, it’s all about the basics: simple text messaging. If you’ve got T-Mobile’s “Experience Beyond” plan, you’re all set — it won’t cost you a penny extra. Everyone else can jump on board for $10 a month. And the best part? You don’t even have to be a T-Mobile customer to sign up.
When T-Satellite switches on, you’ll be able to send SMS messages from your Android or iPhone, though picture messages (MMS) will only work on Android at the start. iPhone folks — hang tight; that update is coming soon.
The really cool stuff kicks in on October 1. That’s when T-Mobile plans to unlock limited satellite data, but only for certain apps at first. They’re eyeing partners like WhatsApp, AllTrails, and Accuweather, so expect things like weather updates or trail maps even if you’re way off the beaten path. Apple and Google are in the mix too, but they’re keeping quiet on the details for now.
Of course, T-Mobile isn’t the only one dreaming big. Verizon and AT&T have linked up with AST SpaceMobile to work on similar satellite magic — they even showed off live satellite phone calls earlier this year. Verizon’s also got some text options on a few Android devices.
All this new tech hasn’t come without drama. Verizon and AT&T aren’t thrilled about T-Mobile’s setup and say it could mess with their own plans. But T-Mobile and SpaceX are staying the course — and July’s launch is proof they’re not slowing down.
Long story short: the race to bring the internet and messaging to the middle of nowhere is heating up, and pretty soon, losing signal on your favorite hiking trail might be a thing of the past.