T-Mobile has been testing a beta version of its T-Satellite service with customers for several weeks now.Starting next month, the beta period will start to wind down as satellite connectivity officially launches as a paid service.Beyond the commercial launch, T-Mobile has also announced when the service will expand beyond text message support to include data.
First, T-Mobile will commercially launch T-Satellite on July 23.T-Satellite relies on SpaceX Starlink satellites for network coverage in areas that would otherwise be dead zones for T-Mobile customers.T-Mobile will offer T-Satellite service to customers on any carrier.
Using the feature just requires having a free, unlocked SIM or eSIM slot on a compatible smartphone.For now, T-Satellite is limited to sending text messages over the satellite connection when disconnected from the traditional service network.Starting October 1, T-Mobile says it will enable data connectivity through T-Satellite, and the carrier is working with Apple and others on satellite-optimized apps.
While the beta period is free, T-Mobile shares the latest pricing for launch:
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