T-Mobile to launch Starlink-powered satellite service in July

T-Mobile’s satellite messaging service, developed in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, will officially launch to the public on 23 July 2025, following several months of beta testing.

The service, announced as “T-Satellite,” will initially offer basic text messaging features, with plans to expand into data later in the year.

Initially announced in February, T-Satellite will be included at no additional cost for customers subscribed to the “Experience Beyond” plan, while others will be able to access it for $10 per month. The service will be available across the United States and is not limited to existing T-Mobile subscribers.

At launch, users will be able to send SMS messages via both Android and iOS platforms, with support for MMS available on Android devices. According to T-Mobile, MMS functionality for iOS will be introduced at a later date.

Further enhancements are expected from 1 October, when the service will begin supporting satellite-based data.

However, the initial rollout will be limited to select applications. T-Mobile has named AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp among the apps likely to support the feature, though no specific commitments have been confirmed. Apple and Google are also listed as partners, but without further detail regarding integration.

T-Mobile’s satellite strategy contrasts with those of its major competitors. Both Verizon and AT&T have teamed up with AST SpaceMobile to develop satellite-enabled mobile services.

Earlier this year, the two carriers demonstrated direct satellite-to-device voice calling, though only Verizon has introduced limited messaging capabilities to select Android devices.

Regulatory tension has accompanied the rollout. Verizon and AT&T have expressed concerns over the T-Mobile and Starlink collaboration, alleging that its approach to satellite deployment could interfere with their own initiatives.

Nonetheless, the partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX appears to be progressing without delay.

The launch of T-Satellite marks a notable step in the broader industry shift towards satellite-based connectivity, as operators seek to extend network coverage to remote and underserved areas.

While full-scale satellite data usage remains on the horizon, T-Mobile’s entry into the sector underscores the growing competition and technical complexity in next-generation mobile communications.