Pixel 9 users claim they've secured access to the exclusive trial for T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service
In an exciting development, T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service, known as "T-Satellite," has officially left the beta phase and is now available to T-Mobile customers, including those with Pixel 9 series phones or any compatible smartphones [1][3]. This service allows users to send and receive text messages via Starlink satellites when out of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
For T-Mobile customers on the Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans, the satellite messaging service is included at no extra cost. For those on other plans, the service can be added for $10/month for a limited time, with prices expected to increase later [1][2][3]. Even non-T-Mobile customers, such as AT&T and Verizon users, can sign up for T-Satellite, although pricing and registration details differ.
To register for the service, T-Mobile customers can subscribe via their customer support or account management options. Sign-up for the satellite messaging add-on can be done by calling T-Mobile customer support at 1-855-400-9131 or by visiting a T-Mobile store or your online account's Manage Add-Ons section [2]. Once enrolled, the Pixel 9 (or any compatible smartphone) will automatically connect to the satellite network when cellular coverage is unavailable, showing a "SAT" icon in the status bar.
Recent reports suggest that access to the Starlink satellite messaging beta has been gradually arriving for T-Mobile customers. These text messages about the beta have been going out over the past week or so, according to user comments [4]. SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk announced that the Starlink satellite messaging beta officially began on January 27 [5].
The Starlink satellite messaging service supports medium-resolution images, music, and audio podcasts, according to Musk [6]. However, it's worth noting that not all users who received messages about the beta are part of it. Some users have reported accessing the Starlink satellite messaging beta on their Pixel 9 Pro XL devices, while others have only accessed Google's Satellite SOS services [7].
As the testing period ends, access to the Starlink satellite messaging service may become more limited [8]. T-Mobile states that all of its postpaid customers will receive access to this service for free during the testing period [9].
This development was first discussed in a thread on Android Authority, and a separate thread on Reddit also discusses users receiving text messages about access to T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging beta [10][11].
References:
- T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service now available to T-Mobile customers
- How to sign up for T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service
- T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service: FAQs
- Reddit thread discussing users receiving text messages about access to T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging beta
- Elon Musk confirms the start of the Starlink satellite messaging beta on January 27
- Starlink satellite messaging service supports medium resolution images, music, and audio podcasts
- Some users have reported accessing the Starlink satellite messaging beta on their Pixel 9 Pro XL devices
- Once the testing period ends, access to the Starlink satellite messaging service may become more limited
- T-Mobile states that all of its postpaid customers will receive access to this service for free during the testing period
- Thread on Android Authority discussing this development
- A thread on Reddit discussing users receiving text messages about access to T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging beta
In light of the expanded T-Mobile services, one might consider pairing T-Satellite with the latest smartphones like the Pixel 9 series, harnessing the power of technology for satellite messaging even in remote areas. For tech enthusiasts interested in finance, this development could mean substantial savings, as T-Mobile offers the service at an affordable $10/month for a limited time for customers on plans other than Experience Beyond or Go5G Next.
