The T-Mobile Starlink beta is starting soon, and customers can sign up for it now. The direct-to-cell technology will allow standard, unmodified phones to receive signal in areas not covered by terrestrial cell towers. T-Mobile also revealed details about when the Starlink beta will launch, who can register to participate, and when the service will launch commercially.
T-Mobile Starlink beta sign-ups are live
Any postpaid customer can now sign up to participate in the T-Mobile Starlink beta here. There are a limited number of spots open, and first responders and those with “optimized devices” will be admitted to the test on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the company plans to expand the beta as more Starlink satellites are launched, so don’t get discouraged if you get passed over for the first one.
T-Mobile hasn’t shared a list of “optimized devices,” but it says that the Starlink beta is expected to work with most modern mobile phones. So far, the company has said the satellites have been able to communicate with unmodified Apple, Google, and Samsung devices that can use the T-Mobile PCS G Block spectrum.
The beta test is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2025. It will initially only be available to customers in the United States but will expand to other countries over time. Initial functionality will only include text messaging, and voice and data are planned to roll out sometime in the future. Fortunately, T-Mobile’s Starlink service will be much easier to use than Apple’s Globalstar emergency satellite connection. Users don’t have to point their phones at the sky to get a signal and will be able to receive messages with the device in their pockets.
However, AT&T and Verizon customers might not need to be jealous for long. The two providers plan to partner with AST SpaceMobile to provide rival direct-to-smartphone services. However, it’ll likely be several years before we see those plans come to fruition.
