T-Mobile has launched its new $10-a-month Starlink-based satellite texting service, T-Satellite, which promises to provide mobile access in the US’s most remote areas. The service differs from existing satellite services by offering a seamless experience similar to everyday cellular texting.
Satellite messaging is no longer a novelty; major phone makers like Apple and Samsung have been incorporating it into their devices. However, traditional satellite communication can be complex, requiring users to point their phones at specific satellites for connection.
T-Satellite’s experience, on the other hand, feels almost indistinguishable from cellular texting. With over 650 Starlink satellites overhead providing wider coverage, T-Satellite’s connection is more reliable and faster than previous satellite services. The service works with most phone models sold in the last four years, making it accessible to a broader audience.
T-Mobile has made the service available to anyone using another carrier for cellular service, including those testing the feature on beta eSIM slots. However, users may experience occasional lag due to the limited data pipe between their phones and satellites.
The service supports multimedia messaging and allows users to send images, videos, and audio files via satellite networks. This feature is exclusive to Android devices at launch, but iOS support is expected in October.
As T-Mobile expands its capacity and performance, the potential for widespread adoption becomes more apparent. Satellite services have made significant progress in recent years, and it’s easy to envision a future where users don’t need to think about data connectivity.
For those living in remote areas like the North Cascades region, satellite messaging could be a game-changer during emergencies or everyday annoyances when cellular coverage is unavailable.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tried-t-mobiles-new-satellite-service-for-texting-in-dead-zones-heres-how-its-different