T-Mobile launches satellite service, gearing up for competition against industry peers
In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity in remote areas, T-Mobile has officially launched its satellite service, T-Satellite, powered by Starlink. The service, which is currently out of beta, will provide data support in third-party apps such as AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) from October 2025 [1][3].
T-Mobile's strategy is to extend direct satellite connectivity beyond basic texting to popular third-party applications. This move is aimed at eliminating mobile dead zones and improving emergency connectivity nationwide. The service, which enables texting and some data features without requiring special hardware, is available not only to T-Mobile customers but also to AT&T and Verizon subscribers for $10 a month or free for those on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans [1][4].
While Verizon customers can only use the service on a select few of the newest devices, Verizon and AT&T have chosen to partner with AST SpaceMobile for their satellite-to-cell offerings. In contrast, T-Mobile currently has an advantage in the cell-to-satellite race [5].
To access T-Satellite, users need an unlocked, satellite-optimized phone with eSIM capabilities. The service can be added by visiting a T-Mobile store or calling the company at the number provided on the T-Satellite website.
T-Mobile is also working directly with multiple top apps to get their services working via satellite. Plans are in place to expand the services offered by T-Satellite to include picture and voice messaging, satellite data for optimized apps, and more [6].
AT&T is still in testing mode for its satellite product, and the stated cost for the service is $15/month, with a temporary $10/month special for T-Mobile customers who sign up now [2]. Brandon, a T-Mobile customer, thinks T-Satellite is a good lifeline for rural living [3].
References:
[1] T-Mobile. (2025). T-Mobile Announces Launch of T-Satellite Service Powered by Starlink. Retrieved from https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-announces-launch-of-t-satellite-service-powered-by-starlink
[2] AT&T. (2025). AT&T Unveils Satellite Service: Pricing and Availability. Retrieved from https://www.att.com/newsroom/atts-satellite-service-pricing-and-availability
[3] Verge, T. (2025). T-Mobile's T-Satellite Service Officially Launches with Top App Partners. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/10/01/t-mobiles-t-satellite-service-officially-launches-with-top-app-partners
[4] T-Mobile. (2025). T-Mobile Offers T-Satellite Service Free to Certain Customers. Retrieved from https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/t-satellite-service-free
[5] CNET. (2025). T-Mobile Takes Lead in Cell-to-Satellite Race. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobile-takes-lead-in-cell-to-satellite-race/
[6] TechCrunch. (2025). T-Mobile Expands T-Satellite Services with New Features. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/20/t-mobile-expands-t-satellite-services-with-new-features/
T-Mobile has expanded the functionalities of its T-Satellite service, aiming to provide picture and voice messaging, satellite data for optimized apps, and more, not just limited to third-party applications like AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) [6]. In their strategy, T-Mobile is partnering with multiple top apps to ensure satellite-based services are accessible, giving an edge over Verizon and AT&T who are partnering with AST SpaceMobile for their satellite-to-cell offerings [5].
