T-Mobile's satellite service, T-Satellite, is now live in the U.S.
The service only supports texts and location sharing for now, but more features are coming.
Imagine you lost service in the middle of nowhere with no bars, no Wi-Fi, and no way to text for help. T-Mobile is now rolling out a solution that could change that.
Its new T-Satellite service, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, officially went live across the U.S. on July 23. You don’t need a new phone, antenna, or even an app. Your device will simply automatically connect to the service if you’re in an area with no cellular coverage.
T-Satellite is included in T-Mobile’s premium Experience Beyond and older Go5G plans. You can also purchase the service as a standalone service for $10 per month during the promotional period, which will increase to $15 later.
For now, it supports text messages, including 911 texts, and you can share a link that temporarily tracks your location when you’re out of standard coverage zones. T-Mobile says most Android phones can already send images, and support for more devices is coming soon.
More features are on the way. T-Mobile added that voice messaging, support for satellite-optimised apps like WhatsApp and AllTrails, and limited data services are planned for release starting in October. The idea is to keep users connected in rural, remote, or disaster-prone areas where traditional cell towers fall short.
Kelechi Edeh
This launch adds new competition to the growing satellite-to-phone space. Apple’s iPhones (iPhone 14 and later) and Google’s Pixel 9 offer emergency SOS features via satellite, but only for specific scenarios and with more restrictions.
Verizon and AT&T have their own satellite partners, AST SpaceMobile and Skylo, but their services are tied to select phone models. T-Mobile, by contrast, supports over 60 devices, although the devices must be carrier-unlocked with support for eSIMs and satellite connectivity.
Of course, there are still limits. T-Satellite needs a clear view of the sky to function properly, and dense tree cover or buildings can interfere. The service is also majorly text-only for now, and performance may vary in areas with high Starlink usage. But even with those tradeoffs, it delivers a critical lifeline where nothing else does.
For outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, emergency responders, or anyone who just wants a way to reach someone when cell coverage disappears, T-Satellite could be a game changer. It turns the idea of “no service” into something that no longer leaves you stranded.
Louis Eriakha
