- T-Mobile’s Starlink propulsion satellite service has just launched completely
- You can connect to satellites without the need for applications or parameter changes
- It is available for monthly costs, even for non-Mobile customers
T-Mobile has just launched his Satellite Starlink service, nicknamed T-Satellite, after having tested it for several months. It brings connectivity to the distant areas which are currently served by any of the main mobile networks-but what do you get T-Mobile, and how is it compared to the free alternative offered by Apple?
With T-Satellite, T-Mobile says that you will get a cover provided by more than 650 satellites in orbit around the earth. Your phone will connect automatically, without applications to download or modify. That said, you can get a small quantity of stopping time because your phone disconnects from a satellite and connects to another – the satellites move in orbit, after all, you will not always be connected to the same.
According to T-Mobile, the service works with more than 60 mobile devices. This includes each iPhone of the iPhone 13, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, Google Pixel Phones dating back to Google Pixel 9, and more.
The other supported devices include the latest Motorola Razr 2025 series and the last Samsung Galaxy A56. You can read the full list of the T-Mobile eligibility guide. The latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Fe and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 are listed as “coming soon”.
If you are on the Go5g of T-Mobile Next or experiment beyond the plans, you are included T-Satellite for free. Other T-Mobile customers can access it for $ 10 per month per line, although the company claims that the price will increase to $ 15 per month after a “limited time”. Customers from other networks can also register for $ 10 per month (later $ 15 per month) by contacting T-Mobile.
How does Apple compare?
Apple has offered its own satellite service for a few years now, you may be wondering what its advantages and disadvantages compared to T-Satellite are.
On the one hand, Apple’s offer is much wider than you get with T-Mobile. With Apple, you can send and receive messages, contact emergency services, share where I can find, organize road assistance for your vehicle and get weather reports. T-Satellite, in the meantime, only takes care of sending and receiving SMS. It does not offer data or other services that Apple supports.
In addition to that, Apple’s satellite functionality is completely free (for the moment, at least), while T-Mobile requires a monthly subscription. On the other hand, you can only access the Apple satellite service if you have an Apple device, while T-Mobile works with a range of iOS and Android products.
You will need to consider the option that suits you best according to your situation. But with T-Satellite emerging from its beta test period, you have another choice to stay connected when you are out of the grid.
