T-Mobile has not exactly been batting a thousand lately. From privacy concerns over screen recordings on the T-Life app to not incorporating the cost of taxes and fees when quoting plan prices to pursuing rate increases on legacy phone plans, there is plenty not to like about T-Mobile’s recent actions.
The company’s latest tech offering, though, is something that everyone can get behind – literally.
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T-Mobile is beta testing an amazing new phone feature, and the test is not just open to subscribers who have a phone plan with the carrier. Anyone can sign up, and everyone will want to because the technology T-Mobile is testing could truly be a game changer that forever alters the way we use cell phone service.
T-Mobile is partnering with Starlink to increae connectivity.
Image source: Getty Images
T-Mobile is beta testing an amazing new feature
T-Mobile’s exciting new offering is its T-Satellite service, being made available through a partnership with Starlink to bring satellite connectivity to the general public.
T-Satellite service is specifically designed to work when you are out of range of cell networks, so you can remain in communication. In situations when you have zero service, T-Satellite will kick in automatically, allowing you to send SMS messages even when there’s no hint of cell phone reception at all, like when you’re hiking in the woods.
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Right now, the satellite connectivity is limited to texting, but T-Mobile also plans to enable voice calls via satellite in the future.
T-Satellite uses 1900MHz-band transmitters that are built into Starlink satellites, so any phone in the U.S. that supports this band can use the feature.
This is in stark contrast to Verizon, which partnered with Skylo to provide satellite texting that ended up being available only on phones with specific hardware. Currently, that’s just the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 line of products.
Since pretty much every phone in the U.S. supports the 1900MHz n2/n25 band, T-Mobile’s satellite service will be an option for anyone who wants off-the-grid communication ability.
How to access T-Mobile’s new satellite texting service
One of the very best parts about T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite texting service is that the company is not gate-keeping it. Anyone can sign up, regardless of which carrier they use. This includes non-T-Mobile users who do not want to switch.
The nationwide beta test is free for all users, no matter what phone you have or who provides your cell service. That beta test will be running through the end of July before T-Mobile officially starts rolling out the T-Satellite option.
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Satellite texting capabilities will then be available at no extra cost as part of a bundled package with the Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans. Those on the Experience More plan can access satellite texting free until the end of 2025 before they have to begin paying.
Non-T-Mobile users will also be able to continue using the service after the free beta ends, but will be expected to pay a $10 introductory monthly cost that will eventually rise to $15 for those who have service with other carriers.
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For now, though, participating in the beta test is not only totally free, but also requires no commitment. You just need to visit the website and provide T-Mobile with your name, phone number, and email address.
Unfortunately, because of high demand and the gradual rollout, some users are being told that they’re being added to a waiting list when they sign up.
Still, since it’s free to get on the list, it’s worth putting in your name even if you can’t get the satellite text service immediately.
If you plan to be off the grid somewhere without cell service at any point in the coming weeks or months, it’s likely well worth at least trying out the satellite texting so you’ll know you can always reach others even in the most remote of places.
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