CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): T-Mobile’s Starlink-powered satellite service ‘T-Satellite’ will officially launch to the public on July 23, 2025, following several months of beta testing.
T-Mobile’s satellite messaging service has been developed in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink.
Introduced as “T-Satellite,” the service will initially offer basic text messaging features, with plans to expand into data later this year.
T-Satellite was initially announced in February. There will be no additional charges for customers subscribed to the “Experience Beyond” plan, while others will be able to access it for $10 per month. The service will be available across the US and is not limited to existing T-Mobile subscribers.
Initially, users will be able to send SMS messages via both Android and iOS platforms, with support for MMS available on Android devices. According to T-Mobile, MMS functionality for iOS will be introduced at a later date.
Further expansion is expected from the start of October, when the service will begin supporting satellite-based data.
T-Satellite will be limited to select applications
The initial rollout will be limited to select applications as according to T-Mobile, AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp are among the apps likely to support the feature, though no specific commitments have been confirmed. Apple and Google are also listed as partners, but without further detail on the subject.
T-Mobile’s satellite strategy contrasts with those of its major competitors. Both Verizon and AT&T have teamed up with AST SpaceMobile to develop satellite-enabled mobile services.
Earlier in 2025, the two carriers demonstrated direct satellite-to-device voice calling, though only Verizon has introduced limited messaging capabilities to select Android devices.
Regulatory tension has accompanied the rollout as Verizon and AT&T have expressed concerns over the collaboration between T-Mobile and Starlink, alleging that its approach to satellite deployment could interfere with their own initiatives.
Nonetheless, the partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX appears to be progressing without delay.
The launch marks a notable step in the broader industry shift towards satellite-based connectivity amid operators efforts to extend network coverage to remote and underserved areas.
