Starlink’s Direct to Cell project aims to eliminate dead zones for mobile users, promising seamless coverage this year. For now, Starlink has teamed up with T-Mobile to roll out the service in the U.S., giving customers access to a wider network. As for how much this game-changing service will cost? That’s still up in the air —literally and figuratively.
On November 16, 2024, T-Mobile opened registration for a nationwide beta test of the service, completely free of charge. The trial run is set to kick off in early 2025, but only for customers with compatible smartphones.
Unlike a new mobile carrier, Starlink Direct to Cell is designed to enhance coverage for customers of certain providers rather than replace traditional networks. In the U.S., T-Mobile will be the first to integrate the technology, at least for the initial rollout, as Elon Musk confirmed on X. SpaceX is also collaborating with other providers around the world, with plans to bring the service to additional U.S. carriers down the line.
The best part? No fancy new phone needed. Any modern smartphone with LTE capabilities will be able to connect, making this one of the smoothest tech upgrades in recent memory.
How Starlink could change the game
T-Mobile and Starlink are gearing up to test a game-changing service that could make dead zones a thing of the past. By linking satellites—think of them as cell towers floating in space —directly to the T-Mobile network, the Un-carrier is making a serious push toward its goal of seamless, borderless coverage. Looks like dropped calls in the middle of nowhere might soon be just a bad memory.
All T-Mobile customers, including businesses and first responders, can sign up to be part of the beta launch. If you rely on staying connected in remote areas, this might be your chance to ditch the signal hunt for good.
Turning the idea of cell towers in space into a reality has just taken another giant leap forward. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) has officially opened registration for its upcoming beta program, set to roll out early next year. Meanwhile, Starlink—T-Mobile’s space-age partner and pioneer in satellite connectivity—is rapidly launching Direct to Cell satellites into orbit. With each new satellite, the vision of uninterrupted mobile coverage gets closer to liftoff.
Want to try it first? Keep reading!
T-Mobile is now accepting sign-ups for anyone curious about its Starlink-powered service or eager to experience it firsthand. The beta program is free for all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with a compatible phone, offering a rare glimpse into a future where cellular dead zones could soon be history. For now, the service is limited to texting, but voice and data capabilities are on the horizon.
Because staying connected can be a lifesaver, T-Mobile is giving first responders top priority in the beta program. Whether it’s firefighters, paramedics, or emergency agencies, those on the front lines of public safety will get first dibs on testing this groundbreaking network.
No more Signal Hunting
Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite network has been custom-built to work seamlessly with T-Mobile’s existing infrastructure, making it far more intuitive than traditional satellite messaging services. Unlike older tech that requires users to awkwardly hold their phone toward the sky like they’re summoning a signal, this system works just like regular texting—messages send and receive automatically, no extra effort needed.
The upcoming beta test is a major milestone for T-Mobile’s Experience Coverage Beyond —the Un-carrier’s ambitious plan to keep customers connected in places where cell signals usually vanish. From coast to coast, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and even territorial waters, this service is designed to reach far beyond the limits of traditional cell towers.
Off the grid? No worries. Whether you’re flying at 30,000 feet, exploring the great outdoors, or catching a home run at the ballpark, T-Mobile aims to keep you online without missing a beat.
Source: Totally free Internet – Starlink’s new satellite technology is now available on these phones
