T-Mobile Launches Starlink-Powered Satellite Texting for iPhone, Open to All Carriers

T-Mobile has officially launched its T-Satellite service, moving the satellite-to-mobile network out of beta and making it commercially available to customers on any U.S. carrier, including AT&T and Verizon. In a post on X, CEO Mike Sievert announced the launch, stating, "T-Satellite is officially out of beta and available to anyone who wants it."

The service, which T-Mobile first announced for a July 23 commercial launch, aims to provide messaging coverage in cellular dead zones using a constellation of over 650 Starlink direct-to-cell satellites. It works automatically on compatible smartphones, including many recent iPhone models, with no special apps or setup required. When an iPhone loses cellular service in a covered area, a "SAT" icon will appear in the status bar to indicate a satellite connection.




At launch, T-Satellite will support SMS for both iOS and Android. Richer media support, including picture and voice messaging, will be available for Android users, with support for iOS to follow. T-Mobile had previously announced it was collaborating with several app developers, including Apple, to optimize their services for satellite data.

This new service provides an alternative to Apple's own Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which was developed in partnership with Globalstar after Apple reportedly turned down a similar offer from SpaceX. T-Satellite is included at no extra cost for customers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans. For a limited time, other T-Mobile customers and those on other carriers can add the service for $10 per month.

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