T-Mobile first announced their partnership with Starlink back in 2022. The idea was to use satellites in low-earth orbit to connect directly to phones via the same cell signals that traditional towers use.
In late December, the company began signups for customers to apply to join the beta program for early access to this new connectivity, and slowly began enabling it for customers through January.
Now that the beta has been active for a bit, the company has finally detailed exactly how the service will work in the long-term, and added more compatible devices.
What Is Starlink Satellite Connectivity?
Starlink satellites are small but plentiful. There are over 450 Starlink satellites capable of T-Mobile service in orbit around the planet, with the goal of at least one being directly above you at any given time.
These satellites have the ability to broadcast (and receive) cellular signals just like traditional cell towers do. The benefit to this is, unlike traditional mobile satellite services, pretty much any phone that has the proper connection bands already are compatible.
T-Mobile first opened the beta up to customers with select Samsung devices, but further expanded the compatible devices list. As of now (and presumably after launch), the following devices are compatible:
- Apple iPhone 14 and later (including Plus, Pro & Pro Max)
- Google Pixel 9 (including Pro, Pro Fold, & Pro XL)
- Motorola 2024 and later (including razr, razr+, edge and g series)
- Samsung Galaxy A14, A15, A16, A35, A53, A54
- Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (including Plus, Ultra and Fan Edition)
- Samsung Galaxy X Cover6 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and later
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and later
- REVVL 7 (including Pro)
When enabled, your phone will automatically connect to Starlink satellites when no other connectivity is available. As long as you have a clear view of the sky (so, outdoors only), you’ll have a connection.
T-Mobile has even updated their coverage map to include their satellite coverage.
Who Can Sign Up?
Surprisingly, the Starlink connectivity won’t be limited to just T-Mobile customers. Right now, any customer can sign up for the beta, including Verizon and AT&T customers.
Not only will the beta be available to non-T-Mobile customers, but the full version will be available at launch as well. Essentially, if you have a compatible device, you’re eligible to sign up.
You can sign up for beta access over on T-Mobile’s Starlink webpage.
How Much Will It Cost?
The pricing for the new satellite connectivity will vary. T-Mobile customers, of course, get slightly better deals.
For T-Mobile’s most expensive and premium plan, Go5G Next, customers will get the satellite service for free. No extra add-on price for them.
As for other plans on T-Mobile, the cost will be $15 per line per month. For these customers, there’s a $5 discount if you sign up before March 1st, bringing the price down to just $10 per month. T-Mobile will soon be contacting customers who signed up for the beta to offer them the discounted add-on price.
Finally, for those not with T-Mobile, the cost will be $20 per month.
What If I Don’t Want Starlink Service?
There are a number of reasons why some might not want Starlink service, including the ties with Starlink’s problematic CEO, Elon Musk. Luckily, if you don’t want it, you don’t have to get it.
Starlink satellite connectivity will be a paid service after launch, so if you’re not on T-Mobile Go5G Next, you won’t have the connectivity anyway.
For those on Go5G Next who don’t want the service, it’s likely the add-on will be able to be disabled in the account settings. We don’t know that for sure, but based on how other add-ons work with T-Mobile lines, we suspect this will be easily doable.
The T-Mobile Starlink satellite service launches fully in July. To sign up, visit T-Mobile’s Starlink webpage here.
