T-Mobile and Starlink: Pioneering Satellite Comms Tech
T-Mobile, one of the largest mobile network operators in the US, has opened registration for a beta test of its direct-to-satellite service in partnership with Starlink.
Such a partnership marks a significant development in satellite-to-handset communications technology. The service, which will initially focus on text messaging capabilities, utilises more than 300 low-earth orbit satellites equipped with cellular transmission technology to provide coverage in areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile infrastructure.
The beta programme launch follows regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and represents the first major implementation of low-earth orbit satellite technology integrated with terrestrial cellular spectrum in the US.
“T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the US that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage,” explains Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile.
“It’s a truly groundbreaking engineering breakthrough and means that we are one step closer to helping T-Mobile customers have confidence that, no matter where they are, if they can see the sky, they will be covered by T-Mobile.”
Revolutionising the way we connect
Low-earth orbit satellites currently operate between 500 and 2,000 kilometres above the Earth's surface, offering reduced signal latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
This satellite service from T-Mobile will be available to postpaid voice customers with compatible devices at no additional cost during the beta phase. Likewise, the company will be prioritising emergency responders and first responder agencies for early access to the programme.
T-Mobile reports that the user experience differs from existing satellite messaging services in the market. By integrating satellites – which the telco refers to as cell towers in space - into the T-Mobile network, the Un-carrier is taking a major step forward in delivering its vision to Experience Coverage Beyond.
The technology has already demonstrated its practical applications during emergency situations. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the US in 2024, T-Mobile activated the service temporarily, which enabled users with compatible devices to send and receive messages and emergency alerts in areas where traditional communications infrastructure had been compromised.
The system proved helpful for many that lost mobile or broadband access and provided data to T-Mobile so it could improve the service.
Direct-to-Satellite technology: Expanding connectivity reach
T-Mobile and Starlink have already established partnerships with mobile network operators (MNOs) across multiple regions to expand the service globally.
So far, KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile & Peru) and Rogers (Canada) are among the providers that have signed on to join the cause and launch direct to cell technology.
The alliance that both T-Mobile and Starlink are operating aims to establish roaming agreements between participating carriers. This works to extend the reach of service beyond US territories, targeting more than 500,000 square miles of US territory and ocean areas currently beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.
The service also forms part of T-Mobile's broader network expansion strategy, which includes providing connectivity in locations previously considered impractical for traditional cellular infrastructure.
T-Mobile states that future developments will incorporate voice and data services.
“With Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite constellation specifically designed for integration with the T-Mobile terrestrial network, the experience is expected to be much more user friendly than other satellite messaging services currently in the market,” T-Mobile’s statement reads.
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