T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) has opened registration for a beta launch of direct-to-cell satellite service coming early next year with Starlink. “T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S. that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage,” said Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products, T-Mobile.
The T-Mobile Starlink beta program is open and free for all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with a compatible device. Find details and registration for consumers here. Initially, T-Mobile Starlink will support texting, with voice and data coming in the future. Because of the critical role these first responder agencies and individuals play in safeguarding communities, T-Mobile is prioritizing this audience for the beta program. Business customers and first responder agencies can register here.
T-Mobile says with Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite constellation specifically designed for integration with the T-Mobile terrestrial network, the experience is expected to be more user friendly than other satellite messaging services currently in the market. “For example, users will not need to hold their phone up to search for a signal,” says T-Mobile.
T-Mobile says there are limited spots available for the beta test. The beta experience is optimized on select newer devices, and T-Mobile-Starlink will continue to test and extend to as many devices as possible through future software updates.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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