T-Mobile now offers satellite connectivity in the US. As announced by CEO Mike Sievert on X and reported by The Verge, the carrier’s T-Satellite connectivity is now out of beta and broadly available — including to people who don’t subscribe to T-Mobile.
T-Satellite was created in partnership with satellite telecommunications provider Starlink. Operating on a constellation of “650+ satellites,” T-Satellite allows subscribers to send and receive text messages and share their location from remote places that terrestrial wireless signals doesn’t reach, including with 911 emergency services.
The service does not provide general internet access. While T-Mobile intends to eventually support certain optimized apps (including WhatsApp and Accuweather), T-Satellite’s primary function today is as a backup method to send for help if you get into a jam somewhere you don’t have access to traditional wireless coverage.
It’s not expensive and you don’t need T-Mobile
T-Satellite currently covers much of the continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and parts of Alaska. Interestingly, T-Satellite is available as a standalone service without an existing T-Mobile account; your phone will swap to the T-Satellite connection when your regular connection is unavailable.
According to T-Mobile’s support documentation, lots of popular devices can take advantage of T-Satellite. Devices supported include Samsung phones as far back as the Galaxy S21 series, several Motorola phones from 2024 and 2025, and the entire Pixel 9 series. It also works on Apple’s smartphones, iPhone 13 or newer. Check the list for more details.
It costs $10 per month today, but will eventually run you $15. Assuming your phone is compatible, you’re able to sign up for T-Sattellite on its own, even if it’s not your primary carrier. Head over to the T-Satellite website to learn more.
