T-Mobile users can test Starlink’s satellite service for free – here’s how

Slowly but surely, Starlink is becoming a leading broadband internet alternative. Its network of low Earth orbit satellites ensures its users high-speed internet access, even in areas inaccessible to traditional infrastructure such as cell towers. Now this technology can provide services to your mobile device.

On Monday, T-Mobile opened registration for a T-Mobile Starlink beta program that aims to eliminate dead zones by using Starlink’s 300 direct-to-cell satellites to cover 500,000 square miles of land in the United States that are not covered by cellular towers, according to T-Mobile.

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At launch – expected in early 2025 – Starlink will only support SMS, but T-Mobile says the service will eventually expand to data and voice. The free beta offers users a high-speed internet connection in hard-to-reach places such as rural areas, concerts and even on airplanes.

On a recent 12-hour flight, I had the opportunity to test Starlink Wi-Fi on board and was impressed by how good the connection was. It offered me fast, reliable connectivity that didn’t stall throughout the flight, with speeds comparable to what I experience at home.

Unlike connecting to a satellite on your iPhone using the iOS emergency messaging option, the Starlink experience is seamless. You continue to use your phone as usual, your only job is to enjoy the improved connection.

The beta program, coming early next year, will be free to all T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with a compatible device. Although T-Mobile isn’t listing all of the optimized devices yet – a list will follow closer to the beta release – the company says it will work with “most modern cell phones.” First responders and individuals will receive priority access to the beta.

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All participants will be asked to provide feedback before it is commercially rolled out to all customers, which the company says is expected to occur sometime in 2025. To register, fill out this form with your name, email address and phone number. If you are approved, you will receive a notification.