Latest news with #remoteareas
CNET
02-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
The End of Wireless Dead Zones? T-Mobile's Starlink Service Launches in 3 Weeks
Imagine being able to send a text, video or voice recording from the remotest corners of the country. That's the future T-Mobile envisions, as its partnership with SpaceX's Starlink satellite service gets ready to launch on July 23. The alliance will provide direct-to-cell messaging service, called T-Satellite, which will also be available to AT&T and Verizon cellphone customers. T-Mobile says its goal is to 'eliminate mobile dead zones for good' by utilizing 657 Starlink satellites that will be used exclusively for cellphone service. T-Satellite has been in beta testing since December 2024, with nearly 1.8 million users signing up so far. The direct-to-cell messaging service represents a major step forward in mobile technology: It works with most phones made during the last four years, according to T-Mobile, instead of requiring dedicated hardware. It will be available to T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon customers for $10 a month -- or free for anyone on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans. 'At the end of the day, it's nice to be able to send a selfie when you're in a place where there is no coverage, but it's vital to be able to connect to emergency services,' Mike Katz, T-Mobile president of marketing, strategy and products, told CNET's Jeff Carlson. 'We just think that with a technology like this, no customer should ever be in a situation where they are unconnected in an emergency.' However, you might still benefit even if you don't sign up, as T-Mobile will make the service free for emergency uses. The company said 911 texting will be available later this year to 'any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service.' What is T-Satellite? T-Satellite is a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink that will allow direct-to-cell SMS messaging accessibility in areas where there is no cellular coverage. Starlink has more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the sky, and now, 657 of them will be devoted entirely to T-Satellite. The goal is to expand coverage into the 500,000 square miles of the US that traditional cell towers can't reach, says T-Mobile. 'When you leave the terrestrial network and you go to a place where there's no network, your phone will automatically search for and connect to the satellite network, which is quite different than any other of the satellite systems that are out there that force you to manually connect, and you have to point your phone up to the sky," says Katz. Satellite connectivity in cellphones isn't exactly new -- iPhones have had it since 2022 -- but it's typically been reserved for SOS messaging to connect you with an emergency dispatcher. On July 23, T-Satellite users will be able to send SMS texts on iPhone and Android. Android users will also get MMS immediately, with iPhone support 'to follow.' This means users will be able to send images and audio clips in addition to standard text messages. In October, the service will expand to include data support in third-party apps like AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp and X. The access takes advantage of hooks built into iOS and Android software, so developers can make their apps capable of sending data through the narrow amounts of bandwidth available via satellite. This is far beyond what the other phone carriers have launched so far in the satellite realm -- largely due to T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink. AT&T and Verizon have both partnered with AST SpaceMobile for satellite messaging, and Verizon told CNET's Eli Blumenthal last year that it's still planning on working with Amazon's Project Kuiper, which launched its first 27 satellites on April 28, 2025 'Despite things that our competitors have said, they are way, way behind on this technology,' says Katz. How much will T-Satellite cost? On July 23, T-Satellite will be available to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers for a standalone $10 per month. But there's one exception: Customers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ($100 per month for one line) will get the service for free indefinitely, and those on the Experience More plan ($85 per month) will get it through the end of the year. Even if you don't pay the $10 a month, T-Mobile says 911 texting will be available later this year 'to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier.' If you're a Verizon or AT&T customer, you'll have to activate T-Satellite as a second eSIM on your phone to take advantage of the service. You can find instructions on setting up the eSIM here. Which phones are supported? Most phones released in the past couple of years will work with T-Satellite. Here are the devices that are currently compatible with the beta version: Apple iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models) Google Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9A Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 Moto Razr 2024 Moto Razr Plus 2024 Moto Razr 2025 Moto Razr Plus 2025 Moto Razr Ultra 2025 Moto Razr Ultra Plus 2025 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A25 5G SE* Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36 SE Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Samsung Galaxy A54 5G* Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. When T-Satellite launches on July 23, the following devices will also be compatible: Motorola Motorola Edge 2024 Moto G 2024 Moto G Stylus 2024 Moto G 5G 2024 Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A14 Samsung Galaxy A15* Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy A53* Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. T-Mobile T-Mobile Revvl 7 T-Mobile Revvl 7 Pro How to try T-Mobile's Starlink service today If you're anxious to try T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service and don't want to wait until July 23, you can still attempt to sign up for the beta. I wouldn't hold out too much hope, though -- when I entered my information, I got a message back saying, 'Due to high demand, we're admitting beta testers on a rolling basis. Keep an eye out for an update in the coming weeks.'
CNET
01-07-2025
- CNET
T-Mobile's Starlink Phone Service Is Launching July 23, but Everyone Can Sign Up for the Free Beta Right Now
T-Mobile is about to launch its new satellite phone service powered by Starlink. Dubbed T-Satellite, the network will officially start serving customers on July 23, but if you want a sneak peek right now, it's easy to apply and take Starlink for a smartphone test drive. In December 2024, T-Mobile launched a beta program that's available to customers of any phone carrier, regardless of whether you have an iPhone or Android phone. The program is still open for those who want to apply. However, access is limited during the T-Mobile Starlink beta. If you're a T-Mobile customer living in the US, you must have an optimized phone, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9. Customers of AT&T, Verizon and other phone carriers can also apply for the T-Satellite beta if they have a compatible, unlocked device with eSIM support. If you're interested in trying out the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service and don't know where to start, here's everything you need to know. Watch this: Starlink Satellites Are Bringing Internet to Millions. We'll Explain the Pros and Cons 02:38 What is T-Mobile Starlink satellite service and how does it work? In August 2022, during a live event, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced Coverage Above and Beyond, a plan for bringing cellphone connectivity everywhere in the US, even in the most remote regions. T-Mobile's wireless network would leverage Starlink's direct-to-cell satellites -- more than 300 of them -- to provide "near complete coverage" to all 500,000 square miles in the US that are not covered by cell towers, essentially eliminating dead zones. If you're in an area without cell service, like Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon, your phone will automatically connect to the nearest T-Mobile Starlink satellite, acting like a floating cellphone tower, to give you service, as long as there's nothing obstructing the connection between your phone and the sky. The partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink has been years in the making. Sarah Tew/CNET What can you do with T-Mobile Starlink satellite service? You can use the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service to send and receive text messages on your supported phone -- for free. That includes text messages to 911 in case of an emergency. Plans are in place to add support for picture messaging, voice calls, and data soon -- but for most users, it will come at a cost. Eventually, you'll be able to surf the web with Starlink. James Martin/CNET Who can use the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service? Right now, you need to meet the following requirements if you want to use the Starlink satellite service on your phone: Anyone with any phone plan can apply . On T-Mobile's website, it says: "Anyone -- on any carrier -- can register to participate in the beta. We'll admit people on a rolling first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible." . On T-Mobile's website, it says: "Anyone -- on any carrier -- can register to participate in the beta. We'll admit people on a rolling first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible." You must have an optimized phone . According to T-Mobile, the following phones work with its Starlink satellite service: iPhone 14 and later, Google Pixel 9, Samsung Galaxy S23 and later, Galaxy Z Flip3 and Fold 3 and later, Motorola 2024 and later and more. You can find the full list here, which includes a few more Galaxy models. . According to T-Mobile, the following phones work with its Starlink satellite service: iPhone 14 and later, Google Pixel 9, Samsung Galaxy S23 and later, Galaxy Z Flip3 and Fold 3 and later, Motorola 2024 and later and more. You can find the full list here, which includes a few more Galaxy models. You must also be on the latest software update. T-Mobile says that your phone must be on the latest software to use T-Mobile Starlink. Every Galaxy S24 model supports the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service. Samsung/CNET You must also be accepted into the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service beta program. The next section will explain how to sign up. How can I join the T-Mobile Starlink satellite service beta program? If you meet the requirements listed in the previous section, go to T-Mobile's satellite phone service website and register with your full name, email and mobile phone number. Once you've been verified, you'll receive confirmation that you're on the waitlist for the Starlink satellite service via email. Note: If you're a business, you must register here. T-Mobile/Screenshot by CNET Capacity is limited, so not everyone will get to join during the beta launch, but if you have an "optimized" phone, meaning a newer phone, you have a better chance of getting accepted. You should receive a notification via email or text when you're accepted into the program. As the program leaves the beta stage on July 23, more people will be able to join. What else you should know about T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service Since the satellite-to-cell service is still in beta, here are answers to some common questions you might have:
Tahawul Tech
26-06-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
T-Mobile locks in launch window for U.S. satellite
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert recently announced that the company's T-Satellite service is expected to launch nationwide on 23 July. Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products, said the T-Satellite service provisioned by Starlink will officially launch next month to provide service across more than 500,000 square miles that are not connected by traditional cell towers. 'We have 657 [Starlink] satellites in orbit supporting real customers with this service today', Katz said. 'We're also the first and only mobile provider that has a cellular-to-satellite service that allows you to automatically connect without doing anything'. Katz explained 75 per cent of the phones used by T-Mobile customers will work on the satellite service. 'Pretty much any phone that was manufactured over the last four years works on T-Satellite,' he said. T-Mobile is wrapping up its beta test of the satellite service with more than 1.8 million users, including hundreds of thousands of customers from AT&T and Verizon. Verizon and AT&T customers need eSIM-capable and unlocked phones to access the service, but they don't need to switch to T-Mobile During the beta, more than a million messages were sent from remote areas of the US without traditional cellular service. 'One of the things that we've seen during the beta is customers send many more messages than they send,' Katz said. 'In fact, three times more.' The satellite service will be included at no additional cost for subscribers of its Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans while everyone else, including AT&T and Verizon customers, will pay $10 per month. The service will support SMS for both Android and iOS devices as well as picture messaging and short audio clips. On 1 October, a data service will go live. On the same date in October, Katz said the operator will also be 'making 911 texting available to all customers on all networks, as long as they have a compatible phone'. 'Also, today we're announcing we are welcoming any developer who wants to optimise their app and bring it to our customers on our satellite network can do so,' Katz said. 'The SDKs are available from Google, the APIs are available from Apple, and open to app developers today.' In addition to Apple and Google, T-Mobile is working with AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp and X on developing satellite-enabled apps. Source: Mobile World Live Image Credit: Stock Image/T-Mobile
Phone Arena
24-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile's T-Satellite service attracts ~2 million customers, hundreds of thousands are from Verizon and AT&T
Remember that T-Mobile Super Bowl ad from February 2025? Yeah, it's been a hit: it turns out that almost 2 million people have joined T-Mobile's satellite-powered Starlink service – and "hundreds of thousands" of those come from rivals Verizon and AT&T. The successful ad continues to make waves months after its high-profile Super Bowl 59 debut. The feature, first introduced during the Eagles-Chiefs game, aims to eliminate the roughly 500,000 square miles in the US where traditional cellular signals don't reach. Through its partnership with SpaceX's Starlink, T-Mobile now offers Direct-to-Cell satellite coverage, allowing smartphones to send and receive text messages even in the most remote areas. The satellites orbit at around 200 miles above Earth and move at over 17,000 mph (ca. 27,359 km/h), providing seamless coverage when users move out of cell tower range. Currently in beta, the service supports SMS and will soon expand to include MMS, voice calls, and data. Most smartphones from the past four years are compatible, regardless of operating system. While the beta is free for now, full integration is set to begin this summer, with the service included on select plans or available as a monthly add-on for a reasonable fee. It was just the other day that we told you that T-Satellite will end its beta stage and will officially launch on July 23. Currently, the service supports only texting, but data capabilities are expected to roll out on October 1, allowing users to run apps over the satellite network. To enhance this experience, T-Mobile is collaborating with popular app makers like AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp, and X to optimize satellite-enabled versions of their apps for users in remote areas. Additionally, starting July 8, T-Mobile customers will receive free DashPass, a DoorDash subscription offering perks like no delivery fees. To encourage switching from other carriers, T-Mobile has introduced the Easy Upgrade program, which offers AT&T and Verizon customers at least 20% savings, phone payoff, and a new iPhone Pro when they switch. Metro by T-Mobile customers will also benefit from more premium data on popular plans starting June 26. Now, we have some numbers to marvel at, and these come from Mike Katz, the company's head of marketing, strategy and products. According to him, over 1.8 million customers have signed up for the service since its beta program launch at the end of 2024, including "hundreds of thousands of customers from AT&T and Verizon ". – Mike Katz in an interview for Reuters, June 2025 According to him, interest in the satellite beta program has been evenly distributed between major urban centers and more rural communities across the US. T-Satellite will come at no additional charge for T-Mobile customers on the new "Experience Beyond" plan. For all other users, including those on AT&T and Verizon , the service will be offered for \$10 a month. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Engineers unveil radical new freight system that could make diesel trucks obsolete: 'Almost like a mini-airline'
A team of engineers from the University of New South Wales is developing a fleet of drones that can deliver vital supplies to remote areas of Australia. The all-electric fleet would produce zero emissions and be a game-changer for both the population of these remote areas and the environment at large. Countries like Australia have vast swaths of remote land. The population of these remote areas depends on diesel trucks for the delivery of vital materials such as food and medicine. But the emissions from those long deliveries can be detrimental to both the environment and the humans they are serving. Diesel trucks are one of the largest sources of emissions around the globe, contributing to human respiratory illnesses such as asthma and lung disease. They are also detrimental to the environment, as they can degrade crops and soil as well as produce acid rain. To top it all off, they contribute mightily to warming temperatures around the globe. The project is a collaboration between a company called Seaflight Technologies and Macquarie University. Together, they are developing the AURA-E, an electric drone designed for long-range, heavy cargo transport. The ultimate goal of the program is to create a drone that can carry 440-660 pounds over hundreds of kilometers. The leaders of the program believe its benefits will go beyond efficiency and being better for the environment. It should also be a significant source of job growth in the region. This is because the operation of a fleet of drones will require a new generation of aviation professionals and entrepreneurs. With that in mind, the government of Australia awarded the development team half of the program's $3 million budget. This is only the latest use of drone technology to benefit the environment. It has also been used to locate abandoned oil and gas wells. And they are increasingly being deployed to fight deadly and destructive wildfires before they can spread out of control. The heads of the program have big ideas about its potential scope. "If you imagine drones as being almost like a mini-airline, you could have hundreds or even thousands of flights per day," said Graham Doig, the founder of Seaflight Technologies. He was also understandably enthusiastic about the idea of replacing the dirty diesel trucks. "You can start talking about resupplying a community with medical supplies or fresh fruit and vegetables that otherwise would have come from the other side of the country in a diesel-spewing truck. We're taking that off the road, and we're replacing it with near-zero emissions technology that can provide people with goods they need the next day." Which of the following sustainable changes would make you most likely to choose a particular airline? Using cleaner fuel Reducing in-flight waste Making it easy to choose low-emissions itineraries I don't pay attention to sustainability when I fly Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
