Last month, T-Mobile announced that its T-Satellite service, which relies on Starlink satellites to bring connectivity to dead zones, will launch commercially on July 23. The feature lets phones connect to satellites without any special equipment. Right now, only phones released in recent years are supported, but that's about to change.
Handsets on T-Mobile's network not certified for satellite use will be able to connect to satellites
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) previously required device manufacturers to seek regulatory approval to enable satellite connectivity on their devices. This was, loosely speaking, nothing more than a formality, as most modern devices are capable of connecting to satellites. This requirement meant that T-Mobile couldn't bring T-Satellite to a device before a device manufacturer obtained regulatory approval.
In April, T-Mobile asked for this requirement to be waived, explaining that it lengthened the time it took to bring the life-saving service to more users.
Many handsets theoretically capable of running the feature couldn't do so because of inaction from device manufacturers.
The waiver has now been granted, with the FCC saying that devices that have already been approved for terrestrial operations or traditional wireless services through mobile towers can now connect to Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) services. This will ensure that consumers stay connected even when they are out of range or when there is a network breakdown.
Do you appreciate T-Mobile bringing T-Satellite to more handsets?
I am always in coverage zones, so I don't really care
20.48%
Yes, I didn't want to miss out
65.64%
No, this was already expected of them
13.88%
While Apple and Samsung phones going back to the iPhone 13 and Galaxy S21 are supported right now, the only other smartphones that are compatible are the most recent Google Pixel models and a bunch of Motorola handsets. The service currently has 1.8 million users.
The list of eligible devices was already going to expand to include some affordable Samsung phones, additional Motorola handsets, and a couple of T-Mobile's own REVVL handsets, and now that the waiver has been granted, we expect it to grow quickly.
The relaxation of the rules comes just as the T-Satellite beta is about to end. The service is free for T-Mobile customers on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans, while everyone else, including AT&T and Verizon customers, will be charged $10 a month.
Currently, only texting is supported, but a data service will be introduced on October 1.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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