T-Mobile Launches Beta for Starlink’s Satellite Messaging, Aims to End Dead Zones

T-Mobile Launches Beta for Starlink's Satellite Messaging, Aims to End Dead Zones

Beginning in the beginning of the following year, T-Mobile customers will finally have the opportunity to sign up for SpaceX’s cellular Starlink service, which will provide them with access to satellite-based messaging.

Today, the carrier began accepting registrations for a beta program that is intended to test the capacity of phones to connect to satellite networks. It comes after the Federal Communications Commission gave its approval for commercial operations of SpaceX’s cellular Starlink satellites a month ago.

According to the telecom provider, “The T-Mobile Starlink beta program is open and free for all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers who have a device that is compatible with the program.” A historic sneak view into a future that is not too far off and is largely devoid of cellular dead zones is provided by the beta’s release.

Customers will be able to obtain a signal even in rural and distant places thanks to the “direct to cell” service offered by Starlink. This service is designed to eliminate dead zones by utilizing SpaceX’s satellites to perform the function of circling cell towers.

To be more specific, T-Mobile claims that the satellite link will be functional throughout “500,000 square miles of land in the United States that is not covered by Earth-bound cell towers.”

The tests conducted by SpaceX have demonstrated that the satellites are capable of beaming download rates of up to 17 Mbps and sending signals that are able to reach phones that are either in the pocket of the user or near a window.

T-Mobile Launches Beta for Starlink's Satellite Messaging, Aims to End Dead Zones (1)
Image: ADV Pulse.

“Among other results, the satellites have been able to communicate with multiple models of unmodified Samsung, Apple, and Google devices using [T-Mobile’s] PCS G Block spectrum,” the company stated in March. “This is just one application of the satellites’ capabilities.” Additionally, in October, the technology was utilized to deliver emergency text messaging that was sent to hurricane victims in the southeast region of the United States.

For the time being, the cellular Starlink service will only be able to enable text messaging that is powered by satellites; however, there are plans to also support voice and data transmissions. However, T-Mobile made the following observation: “The experience is anticipated to be significantly more user-friendly than other satellite messaging services that are currently available on the market.”

To search for a signal, for instance, users will no longer be required to hold their phone higher than their head in order to do so. In the same way that any other communication is sent and received, inbound and outbound messages are also sent and received.

The number of T-Mobile subscribers who will be asked to participate in the initiative is not publicly known. According to the airline, however, it would give priority to individuals who work in emergency services. Additionally, this week, the local carrier One NZ in New Zealand intends to provide consumers in the country with access to the cellular Starlink service.

As soon as it is released, we are excited to see how the cellular Starlink technology developed by T-Mobile functions and how it compares to the satellite-based emergency messaging system developed by Apple. In recent times, SpaceX has successfully finished the initial phase of the cellular Starlink constellation, which currently encompasses more than 340 satellites traveling in orbit.

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Josh Wilets

Josh Wilets

Josh Wilets is a news reporter on Morris Sussex Sports. He covers tech, gaming and weather news. He is a New Jersey Native and has 3 years of experience in journalism. When he's not reporting, he enjoys exploring local sports events and diving into the latest gaming adventures.

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