Latest news with #TSatellite
CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
T-Mobile's T-Satellite Connects You Where Cell Towers Can't
If you're a wilderness junkie who loves to roam, you know the quiet of the outdoors can come with downsides. You might be stranded with a flat tire miles from the nearest ranger station. Or you've just captured the breathtaking view from the top of a fourteener and want to share it in real time with your loved ones. Or you're camping as a family in an off-grid campsite and the kids want to FaceTime their grandparents. Maybe you need updated road conditions during a long road trip. Inevitably, your bars disappear at the exact moment you need them. Everyone wants the freedom to disconnect, but sometimes you need the option to reconnect. This summer, connecting is now possible virtually anywhere you go: T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite America's very first mobile and satellite network to give you a signal that goes virtually everywhere. If you're a backcountry skier or often take road trips or even just an outdoors type who likes to hunt or fish off grid and stay connected, T-Satellite is a lifeline whenever you need it to share special moments with friends and family, to check on incoming weather, or to call for help during an emergency. The first and only provider with a mobile + satellite network Satellite phones and plans are not cheap. Then, of course, there's the annoying fact that even today's best satellite phones resemble walkie-talkies from the last century. Thanks to T-Satellite, the burden of satellite phones and their plans are now a thing of the past. You can use your own cellphone to connect directly to the largest satellite-to-mobile network in the world. There is no setup, no stress. You can connect automatically with most major smartphones from 2021 and beyond. (T-Satellite supports over 60 devices on both iOS and Android). You don't need to download a special app, pull out an antenna, or awkwardly point your phone towards the sky. The hundreds of satellites orbiting Earth at 17,000 mph function as cell phone towers in space, with thousands more to come. T-Satellite currently supports satellite coverage across the continental U.S., Southern Alaska, and Hawaii to give you a link back to the world whenever youneed it. For adventurers who go off grid, it's as simple as turning your phone back on. Your phone just connects automatically to the satellite network to put you in touch with your friends and family. T-Satellite is here, and everyone can try it for free The beta version of T-Satellite is free for anyone to register for before July 23. Following the official launch, it will be available on select T-Mobile plans for free. For those on AT&T or Verizon, it will still be available at an additional cost. During the beta, you can send and receive satellite-powered text messages. And when the cutting-edge satellite-cellular network launches in full, you will also be able to share photos, use data, and more. For existing T-Mobile customers, T-Satellite is included on the Experience Beyond plan, and through the end of the year, you can also get it free on the Experience More plan (a $15 per month value). If you don't fall into any of these plans, you can easily add T-Satellite to any T-Mobile plan for $10 per month, saving $5. Chart your own course – even if you're not on T-Mobile If you're intrigued by T-Satellite but on a Verizon or AT&T plan, that's no problem. Even from the most remote mountain trail, you can still connect your phone in your pocket with T-Mobile's add-on satellite coverage. During the beta, T-Satellite is free for everyone, including AT&T and Verizon. Sign up for beta access today and test the brand-new network that follows you into the wild.
Phone Arena
03-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile customers rocking old handsets finally have a reason to be excited
Last month, T-Mobile announced that its T-Satellite service, which relies on Starlink satellites to bring connectivity to dead zones, will launch commercially on July 23. The feature lets phones connect to satellites without any special equipment. Right now, only phones released in recent years are supported, but that's about to change. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) previously required device manufacturers to seek regulatory approval to enable satellite connectivity on their devices. This was, loosely speaking, nothing more than a formality, as most modern devices are capable of connecting to satellites. This requirement meant that T-Mobile couldn't bring T-Satellite to a device before a device manufacturer obtained regulatory April, T-Mobile asked for this requirement to be waived, explaining that it lengthened the time it took to bring the life-saving service to more users. Many handsets theoretically capable of running the feature couldn't do so because of inaction from device manufacturers. The waiver has now been granted, with the FCC saying that devices that have already been approved for terrestrial operations or traditional wireless services through mobile towers can now connect to Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) services. This will ensure that consumers stay connected even when they are out of range or when there is a network breakdown. While Apple and Samsung phones as far back as the iPhone 13 and Galaxy S21 are supported right now, the only other smartphones that are compatible are the most recent Google Pixel models and a bunch of Motorola handsets. The service currently has 1.8 million users. The list of eligible devices was already going to expand to include some affordable Samsung phones, some Motorola handsets, and a couple of T-Mobile 's own REVVL handsets, and now that the waiver has been granted, we expect it to grow quickly. The relaxation of the rules comes just as the T-Satellite beta is about to end. The service is free for T-Mobile customers on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans, while everyone else, including AT&T and Verizon customers, will be charged $10 a month. Currently, only texting is supported, but a data service will be introduced on October 1. Switch to a 2-month Total 5G or 5G+ plan with Total Wireless and score this foldable deal. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
26-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Top 3 biggest issues with T-Mobile's satellite service for Android (and a big plus for iOS 26 users)
It's now officially less than a month until T-Mobile officially launches T-Satellite (that's set to happen on July 23), and here is what drives some Android users crazy. There are three major issues with the Starlink-enabled cell phone service right now, per the suspence89 Reddit user as laid out in a discussion thread. According to them, the T-Satellite service is "not ready for prime time": Image source – Reddit The user has a solid experience with T-Satellite and has been part of the beta program for over a month, actively providing feedback through surveys and bug reports in the app. However, they encountered several significant issues that made the service difficult to rely on. One major annoyance was receiving frequent, random text messages from T-Mobile stating that their device was connected to " T-Mobile Starlink". These messages often arrived at inconvenient times, including late at night, and became frustrating quickly. For someone who has issues going to sleep or who is sensitive to noises, this can be an awful experience. Another key problem for the user was service prioritization. Although they live in a rural area and depend on Wi-Fi calling nearly all the time, the phone would still frequently default to using the Starlink connection – even when a strong Wi-Fi signal was available. This caused disruptions, such as being unable to send picture messages or complete calls. Another major inconvenience, the way I see it. Fine tuning is needed as soon as possible. Additionally, they noted that T-Mobile 's customer support seemed unprepared to handle issues related to this new feature. Despite calling multiple times, they found that representatives consistently lacked the knowledge to offer meaningful help. Using a Samsung S22 Ultra, the user advised others to hold off on adopting the service for now. In their view, it would be better to wait at least another six months for the company to address these problems. Meanwhile, a fellow iPhone user who is on the iOS 26 beta program reports a win and a serious improvement over the iOS 18: Image source – Reddit Previously, the iPhone user was unable to connect to Starlink satellites on T-Mobile 's beta program, but now, after enrolling in the iOS 26 beta program, managed to. Good to know! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Android Authority
23-06-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
T-Mobile's T-Satellite service launches nationwide on July 23, what can you expect?
Earlier today, T-Mobile announced that it had been named the best network in the US by Ookla. Alongside this news, the carrier also unveiled the addition of the DoorDash DashPass perk , which will be available through the T Life app starting July 8. That wasn't all T-Mobile shared today; the company has also revealed the nationwide launch date for T-Satellite, as well as a new Easy Upgrade program aimed at Verizon and AT&T subscribers. T-Satellite will leave beta and enter its full commercial phase on July 23, where it will be priced at just $10 per month. The network will automatically connect to T-Satellite when there's no terrestrial coverage available. At launch, you'll be able to send SMS via Android and iPhone devices, while MMS picture messaging and short audio clips will initially roll out to Android, with iOS support to follow. Even more exciting, data service is on its way in October! There's not much clarity yet on how this will work or if there will be a specific cap for satellite data, but hopefully, we'll learn more about the details in the not-too-distant future. T-Mobile also clarified that it is working with app providers to bring eventual satellite-enabled app experiences to AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp, X, and more. While we already covered the other big announcements in another post, let's also take a moment to talk about the new Easy Upgrade program. AT&T and Verizon customers who want to switch to T-Mobile will now have more options for how T-Mobile helps you pay off your old carrier. Easy Upgrade offers the following choices: Single users : T-Mobile will pay off up to $800 on your current device, while also giving you a new iPhone Pro with no trade-in required. : T-Mobile will pay off up to $800 on your current device, while also giving you a new iPhone Pro with no trade-in required. For families: T-Mobile will help you pay off four phones and get four iPhone 16 devices for free, all for $100 a month (plus taxes and fees). Is the Easy Switch really worth it? Honestly, unless you really want to stick with postpaid, no. It's no secret that T-Mobile has recently increased its pricing and made several moves that are seen as less than customer-friendly, including the removal of inclusive taxes and fees on all its phone, tablet, and watch plans. Simply put, I recommend prepaid over any of the big three for most users in 2025.
Geek Wire
23-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
T-Mobile claims U.S. network lead, unveils new DoorDash perk and T-Satellite launch date
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert at the company's event in Bellevue on Monday. (GeekWire Photo / Todd Bishop) BELLEVUE, Wash. — T-Mobile announced a new partnership with DoorDash, offering a free subscription to the DoorDash DashPass beginning July 8 for new and existing customers. The service normally costs $10 per month, including free delivery and reduced service fees. With the news, it becomes the latest in a series of membership perks for the company's wireless subscribers. Earlier during a live-streamed event Monday, the company announced the upcoming launch date for its T-Satellite service, set for July 23. The service aims to eliminate wireless dead zones across roughly 500,000 square miles of U.S. territory with no traditional mobile coverage. T-Mobile also said it's now able to claim overall U.S. network leadership over Verizon and AT&T (not only in 5G network coverage), based on what it described as the most exhaustive network test in U.S. history, by the network measurement company Ookla. 'This day has been decades in the making,' said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert, speaking to a small group of media and a large crowd of enthusiastic employees at the company's Tech Experience 5G Hub, a short drive from its headquarters. It's the latest stage in the company's broader resurgence. As of March 2025, T-Mobile reported a total 130.9 million customer connections, including 1.3 million postpaid net additions and 495,000 postpaid phone additions in the first quarter, more than any other U.S. carrier.
