T-Mobile has announced that its much-anticipated satellite messaging service — developed in collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink — will officially go live for customers across the United States starting July 23, 2025.
Branded as “T-Satellite,” the new service will initially provide basic text messaging capabilities, with plans to add data connectivity later this year. The move follows months of closed beta testing and marks a significant step in T-Mobile’s strategy to expand coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
At launch, T-Satellite will be included at no extra cost for subscribers on T-Mobile’s premium “Experience Beyond” plan. Other customers can opt in for a monthly fee of $10. Importantly, the service will not be limited to existing T-Mobile subscribers, allowing wider public access.
Initially, users will be able to send SMS messages via Android and iOS devices, although MMS will only be supported on Android at first. T-Mobile has indicated that MMS for iOS will be introduced at a later date.
From October 1, the service is expected to add satellite-based data support, though this feature will be limited to select applications initially. So far, T-Mobile has mentioned AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp as likely early adopters, but has not confirmed detailed integration timelines. Tech giants Apple and Google are also listed as partners, though specifics remain undisclosed.
T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink sets it apart from rivals Verizon and AT&T, both of which have aligned with AST SpaceMobile to pursue satellite connectivity. Earlier this year, Verizon and AT&T showcased satellite-enabled voice calls, with Verizon also rolling out limited messaging for certain Android devices.
However, this evolving technology space has sparked regulatory debate. Both Verizon and AT&T have raised objections, arguing that T-Mobile’s satellite approach might interfere with their own projects.
Despite such challenges, the T-Mobile-Starlink collaboration continues to progress on schedule, highlighting the growing race within the telecom industry to deliver satellite-powered connectivity to remote and underserved communities.
Industry analysts expect the next wave of mobile innovation will increasingly rely on satellite networks, bridging coverage gaps and enabling new applications far beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.
