T-Cell has introduced it’s on the lookout for testers of its satellite-to-cellular service within the US, which is powered by SpaceX’s new Starlink satellites. As soon as launched in early 2025, choose postpaid customers can attempt satellite tv for pc messaging on their gadgets without cost earlier than further options like voice and knowledge connectivity rollout. Nevertheless, it stays unclear which smartphones are suitable with the service.
The right way to Take a look at T-Cell’s Starlink Satellite tv for pc Service within the US
T-Cell is inviting customers on its postpaid voice service plans to join beta testing on its web site. The preliminary testing section will concentrate on satellite tv for pc messaging, with voice calls and web knowledge connectivity anticipated to comply with later.
The provider famous that testing slots are restricted, with precedence given to people in vital roles similar to emergency responders, the place satellite tv for pc messaging could possibly be most helpful. There’s additionally no official listing of which smartphones beneath T-Cell’s plans are able to the satellite tv for pc service.
T-Cell’s partnership with SpaceX was introduced in 2022. Since then, SpaceX has launched Starlink satellites geared up with direct-to-cell capabilities. Final month, the businesses acquired FCC approval to maneuver ahead with the service.
What You Can Count on from T-Cell’s Starlink Satellite tv for pc Service
T-Cell’s satellite tv for pc service goals to offer connectivity in areas the place terrestrial cell towers are unavailable, much like the iPhone’s Emergency SOS satellite tv for pc messaging characteristic. The provider’s service is predicted to cowl as much as 500,000 sq. miles throughout the US.
Whereas the expertise exhibits promise, Elon Musk beforehand revealed that the present T-Cell Starlink service provides a shared knowledge fee of simply 7 Mbps throughout a large protection space. This makes it slower than another direct-to-cell satellite tv for pc companies presently accessible.
Nevertheless, a big benefit of T-Cell’s service is that it’s anticipated to be free and won’t require further {hardware} for suitable smartphones. T-Cell additionally confirmed that the satellite tv for pc service will seamlessly combine with its present terrestrial community.
Have you ever tried any satellite tv for pc service within the US? Share your expertise with us!
