T-Mobile has announced the official launch, and expansion, of its T-Mobile Starlink beta program in the United States, with the satellite-to-cell service promising to eliminate wireless dead zones across the country. Announced in a high-profile Super Bowl commercial, the service is now open for public testing, offering free access until July—even for customers of rival carriers Verizon and AT&T.
T-Mobile Starlink is the first space-based mobile network in the U.S. that automatically connects to compatible smartphones without requiring special hardware. The service is powered by Starlink satellites with Direct-To-Cell capability in low-Earth orbit, which can transmit signals directly to mobile devices in areas where traditional cell towers don’t reach.
According to T-Mobile, over 500,000 square miles of the U.S. currently experiencing cellular dead zones—an area nearly twice the size of Texas. However, with Starlink, that area is reduced to almost zero.
“This is a massive technical achievement and a game-changer for all wireless users,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “We’re putting ‘no bars’ on notice. Dead zones, your days are numbered.”
The beauty of the T-Mobile Starlink network lies in its simplicity. When a user’s phone loses connection to a terrestrial cell tower, it automatically switches to the Starlink satellite network. There’s no need for manual adjustments or additional equipment—messages are sent and received just as they would on a standard mobile network.
Currently, the beta supports text messaging, including group texts and reactions, with future updates expected to enable picture messaging, voice calls, and data services. The service is compatible with most smartphones released in the last four years, making it accessible to millions of users without requiring new devices.
To encourage widespread testing, T-Mobile is offering free access to the Starlink beta for all U.S. customers, including those subscribed to rival networks AT&T and Verizon. Once the full launch occurs in July, T-Mobile customers on the premium Go5G Next plans will receive Starlink service at no additional cost.
Those on other plans can add the service for $15 per month per line, while non-T-Mobile customers will have the option to subscribe for $20 per month.
Early adopters who sign up for the beta before February 29 can secure a discounted rate of $10 per month when the service transitions to full availability.
To sign up for the beta and experience the future of mobile connectivity, users can visit T-Mobile’s official website.
