Written by Harshita Mary Varghese for Reuters – T-Mobile has announced its upcoming introduction of satellite-to-cell service utilizing SpaceX’s Starlink technology, scheduled for a launch in July at a cost of $15 per month. This initiative by the U.S. wireless carrier is aimed at eradicating mobile dead zones and expanding coverage to remote regions. As a result, T-Mobile’s stock experienced a 4% increase in premarket trading on Monday.
This innovative move is anticipated to revolutionize mobile connectivity by combining traditional cellular networks with advanced satellite technology, ensuring seamless coverage worldwide. T-Mobile disclosed that approximately 500,000 square miles of the United States, currently beyond the reach of terrestrial cell towers, will now have access to connectivity.
The carrier has initiated a comprehensive beta trial of the satellite service starting on Sunday. During this trial phase, customers will enjoy complimentary access to the service until its official launch, after which it will be integrated into T-Mobile’s premium Go5G Next plan at no additional charge. Additionally, trial participants signing up for other plans will receive a 33% discount once the service becomes commercially available.
What sets this offering apart is that T-Mobile will make the Starlink service available to all wireless users, including those subscribed to rival telecom companies such as AT&T and Verizon, without necessitating a switch in provider. The beta launch will initially offer text services via satellite, with voice and data functionalities set to be introduced later, as revealed by the company during the Super Bowl broadcast on Sunday.
Mike Katz, the President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products at T-Mobile, highlighted the unique features of this initiative stating, “This is something that nobody else in the U.S. has done, and one of the big distinctive things this network has is that it works across almost all smartphones from the last four years.” Katz also mentioned that T-Mobile has collaborated closely with tech giants Apple and Google to seamlessly integrate the satellite service into their operating systems, ensuring it becomes the default satellite system for both phone brands.
(Reported by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Edited by Shilpi Majumdar and Leroy Leo)
