T-Mobile and SpaceX to Introduce T-Satellite Texting on July 23; Aiming for Data Availability in October
T-Mobile is set to revolutionise mobile communication with the launch of its satellite-powered data connectivity service on October 1, 2025 [1][2][3]. This eagerly anticipated service will initially provide satellite-powered texting capabilities, including SMS, MMS, photo messaging, and short audio clips, starting from July 23, 2025 [1][2][3].
The service, known as T-Satellite, will utilise T-Mobile's midband PCS spectrum and be supported by over 657 Starlink satellites with Direct-To-Cell capability [1]. Compatible 4G smartphones can connect without special hardware, provided they have an unlocked SIM.
Initially, the service will support a select set of apps optimised for low-bandwidth satellite usage. Confirmed apps and services include WhatsApp, AllTrails, AccuWeather, Google services (including Google Maps), and Apple Maps [1][2]. T-Mobile is actively collaborating with Apple and other app developers to expand compatibility for satellite connectivity [1].
The service will be free for T-Mobile subscribers on the "Experience Beyond" plan. For non-T-Mobile users, the service will cost $10/month [1]. The service is also available to users on competing carriers like AT&T and Verizon [1].
The beta program for T-Satellite service had over 1.8 million participants, with users sending more than a million texts from previously unreachable locations [1]. The success of the beta program demonstrates the potential of satellite-powered data connectivity to bridge communication gaps in remote areas.
Telstra has already launched Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service in Australia, and Rogers in Canada is partnering with Starlink to bring satellite-powered texting and voice support to Canadian users [1]. Rogers has been testing SMS and calls via satellite in Canada this year, with the satellite-to-cell service in Canada expected to debut in late 2025 [1].
SpaceX has demonstrated a successful video call using Starlink Direct-to-Cell technology, signalling the potential for more advanced features to be added to T-Satellite in the future [1]. The launch of T-Satellite service marks a significant step forward in mobile communication technology, offering a reliable and accessible solution for mobile connectivity in remote and rural areas.
[1] T-Mobile Press Release, "T-Mobile's Satellite-Powered Data Connectivity Set to Launch in the U.S.", July 1, 2025. [2] SpaceX Blog Post, "Starlink Direct-to-Cell Technology Demonstration Success", June 15, 2025. [3] Rogers Press Release, "Rogers and Starlink Partner to Bring Satellite-Powered Texting and Voice Support to Canadian Users", May 1, 2025.
Science and space-and-astronomy intersect as T-Mobile's new service, T-Satellite, leverages Starlink's Direct-To-Cell technology, incorporating science and technology to provide satellite-powered data connectivity, initially for text messaging. Further advancements in this technology may enable more sophisticated features like video calls, expanding the boundaries of mobile communication.
