T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a partnership that will leverage Starlink’s low-orbit satellite connectivity to serve T-Mobile customers in remote areas with little or no coverage.
T-Mobile’s customers will be able to send SMS, MMS and use participating apps to stay connected even in remote areas via Starklink’s satellites. The companies also plan to add voice and data coverage in the future.
With this collaboration, the two companies aim to provide network coverage almost everywhere in the US, especially benefiting people in remote areas where cellular network is weak or non-existent.
The tech will also allow people in Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters to text others.
The satellite-to-cellular service won’t require any modifications to the phone — new firmware, software update, or app.
“The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone. We’re incredibly excited t do this with T-Mobile,” said Elon Musk, Chief Engineer, SpaceX.
Elon Musk and Mike Sievert discussed their plans to provide a “universal cellular connectivity”, inviting other carriers worldwide to partner with them, with T-Mobile offering reciprocal roaming globally.
“More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors,” said Mike Sievert, CEO, T-Mobile “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before.”
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