T-Mobile has launched its new T-Satellite service, a satellite-based texting solution that can be accessed from almost anywhere outside cellular coverage areas. This feature is perfect for people who live in remote areas or need emergency aid, as it provides a reliable means of communication.
Unlike other satellite services, which often require users to manually point their phone at the sky to maintain a connection, T-Satellite uses a more seamless approach. The service relies on over 650 Starlink satellites overhead, providing wider coverage and compatibility with most phones sold in the last four years.
In our testing, we found that texting via satellite was mostly indistinguishable from cellular texting. However, there were some instances where texts took several seconds to go through due to a small data pipe between the phone and the satellite. Support for multimedia messaging service (MMS) is currently only available on Android, but it’s coming soon.
One area where more clarity would be needed is in understanding when the satellite connection drops. For example, we noticed that on Android, it wasn’t always obvious when we’d lost the connection. In contrast, Apple’s implementation uses a clear green status button to indicate a solid connection to a satellite.
Despite some minor issues, our experience with T-Satellite suggests that it has great potential for providing reliable communication in remote areas. As companies build up the capacity and performance of satellite services, we can expect to see significant improvements in the near future. For now, T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service is a convenient lifeline for those who need it most.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/my-first-look-at-t-mobiles-unique-starlink-t-satellite-service-made-me-head-far-from-home