- T-Mobile’s satellite service with Starlink has just launched completely
- Can be connected to satellites without the need for applications or configuration changes
- It is available for a monthly rate, even for customers who are not T-Mobile
T-Mobile has just launched its Starlink satellite service, called T-Satellite, after trying it for many months. It brings connectivity to remote areas that currently do not attend to any of the main mobile networks, but what do you get from T-Mobile and how it compares to the free alternative offered by Apple?
With T-Satellite, T-Mobile says that it will obtain coverage provided by more than 650 satellites that orbit the Earth. Your phone will be automatically connected, without applications to download or configure to change. That said, you can get a small amount of inactivity time as your phone disconnects from a satellite and connects to another: the satellites are moving in orbit, after all, so it will not always connect to it.
According to T-Mobile, the service works with more than 60 mobile devices. That includes all the iPhone of the iPhone 13 onwards, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, the Google Pixel phones that date back to Google Pixel 9 and more.
Other compatible devices include the last Motorola Razr 2025 series and the last Samsung Galaxy A56. You can read the complete list in the T-Mobile Eligibility Guide. The last Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Fe and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 appear as “soon.”
If you are in T-Mobile Go5g Next or Experience Beyond Plans, you get t-satellite included for free. Other T-Mobile customers can access it for $ 10 per month per line, although the company says the price will increase to $ 15 per month after a “limited time.” Customers from other networks can also be registered for $ 10 per month (later $ 15 per month) contacting T-Mobile.
How does Apple compare?
Apple has offered its own satellite service for some years, so it is possible to wonder what advantages and disadvantages are compared to T-Satellite.
On the one hand, Apple’s offer is much broader than you get with T-Mobile. With Apple, you can send and receive messages, communicate with emergency services, share your whereabouts with Find My, organize road assistance for your vehicle and get weather reports. T-Satellite, meanwhile, only admits to send and receive text messages. It does not offer data or any of the other services that Apple admits.
In addition to that, Apple’s satellite functionality is completely free (at the moment, at least), while T-Mobile requires a monthly subscription. On the other hand, you can only access Apple’s satellite service if you have an Apple device, while T-Mobile works with a range of iOS and Android products.
You should consider which option best suits your circumstances. But with T-Satellite that emerges from its beta trial period, you have another option to stay connected when you are out of the network.
