T-Satellite service introduces MMS text support, set to initially benefit Samsung, Motorola, and T-Mobile users.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given the green light for T-Mobile and Starlink's satellite connectivity path, marking a significant step forward for T-Mobile's new service, T-Satellite.
Starting July 23, T-Mobile customers have been able to enjoy the T-Satellite service as part of the T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan, all at no extra cost. The service aims to stand out from other providers with its MMS service, which has now been rolled out for certain Samsung and Motorola devices.
However, PCMag's tests have revealed that sending and receiving MMS messages over the T-Satellite network can be slower compared to stable cellular networks. For instance, it takes approximately two minutes to send a photo and 10 to 20 minutes to send a video. The estimated download time for MMS messages on T-Mobile's T-Satellite service for these devices is currently quite long, with video MMS taking more than 10 minutes to send short 5-second clips, and sometimes over 20 minutes for subsequent videos.
This slowness is due to the satellite service's bandwidth constraints and is specifically noted in early demonstrations with Samsung and Motorola phones. The service is still expanding support and planning to introduce data and voice capabilities by October 1, which may improve speeds.
All other customers, including those from AT&T and Verizon, must pay an additional $10 monthly fee for the T-Satellite service. T-Mobile has provided comprehensive information for interested customers on how to join the service.
Despite the current download times, MMS messages on T-Satellite can receive text messages containing images, GIFs, videos, and audio clips. The size of the media being sent or received over the T-Satellite network can affect the download time.
On July 23, T-Mobile and Starlink launched the T-Satellite service, with over 1.8 million users joining in just a few days. The MMS capabilities for T-Satellite were lined up to join at a later date and are now available. Users may experience delays when downloading MMS files on the T-Satellite network, but the service promises to improve as it expands and introduces new capabilities.
[1] PCMag, "T-Mobile's T-Satellite Service: What You Need to Know," [link to article], July 26, 2025. [2] T-Mobile, "T-Satellite Service: Frequently Asked Questions," [link to FAQ], July 26, 2025.
- Despite the current slow download times for MMS messages on T-Mobile's T-Satellite service, users can still send and receive text messages containing images, GIFs, videos, and audio clips.
- T-Mobile's T-Satellite service, available since July 23, now offers MMS capabilities for certain Samsung and Motorola devices, with plans to introduce data and voice capabilities by October 1.
