As temperatures plunge across most of the United States, T-Mobile has made the move to offer its clients free T-Satellite services to those facing the snow and the ice.
T-Satellite uses SpaceX’s Starlink cellular service to support basic text messaging services when traditional connectivity is disrupted. It also supports data for Google Maps and video calls on WhatsApp. The service normally costs T-Mobile client $10 per month and is available on compatible phones, including the latest Apple and Android phones.
Per the T-Mobile announcement:
Customers who already signed up (for T-Satellite) will keep using the service as normal, and for other T-Mobile customers in areas that could be impacted by the storm, we’ve turned on satellite text messaging at no cost so they can stay in touch with loved ones.
For us in the frozen north, it does not appear that any of the main wireless providers are offering a similar free service during the polar vortex, including Rogers, whose Rogers Satellite officially launched last month.
Rogers Satellite uses the same Starlink satellites and provides a very similar service as T-Satellite. Rogers clients who pay more than $70 per month have access to the service for free for the first two years. While all other users have to pay $15 per month for the service.
