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CNET
25-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
T-Mobile and Starlink's $10 a Month Satellite Texting Service Is Live. Here's How It Works
T-Mobile's T-Satellite internet service, powered by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, officially launched on Wednesday, July 23. The direct-to-cell messaging service that enables texting from anywhere isn't limited to T-Mobile customers -- AT&T and Verizon mobile customers can also purchase it for $10 a month. T-Mobile says its goal is to "eliminate mobile dead zones for good" by way of 657 Starlink satellites that'll be used exclusively for cellphone service. T-Satellite has been in beta testing since December 2024, with nearly 1.8 million users signing up so far. The new satellite texting service represents a major step forward in mobile technology: It works with most phones made during the last four years, according to T-Mobile, instead of requiring dedicated hardware. While it's available to all T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon customers for $10 a month, anyone on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans gets it for free. "At the end of the day, it's nice to be able to send a selfie when you're in a place where there is no coverage, but it's vital to be able to connect to emergency services," Mike Katz, T-Mobile president of marketing, strategy and products, told CNET's Jeff Carlson. "We just think that with a technology like this, no customer should ever be in a situation where they are unconnected in an emergency." Sadly, T-Mobile has already had a reason to test out this emergency service, when it enabled T-Satellite earlier this week in communities affected by massive flooding in Central Texas. T-Mobile customers in the area are able to use text-to-911 and basic text messaging, and they can receive emergency alerts on compatible devices. In the future, T-Satellite will be free for emergency uses across the country. The company said 911 texting will be available later this year to "any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service." What is T-Satellite? T-Satellite is a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink that will allow direct-to-cell SMS messaging accessibility in areas where there is no cellular coverage. Starlink has more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the sky, and now, 657 of them will be devoted entirely to T-Satellite. The goal is to expand coverage into the 500,000 square miles of the US that traditional cell towers can't reach, says T-Mobile. "When you leave the terrestrial network and you go to a place where there's no network, your phone will automatically search for and connect to the satellite network, which is quite different than any other of the satellite systems that are out there that force you to manually connect, and you have to point your phone up to the sky," says Katz. Satellite connectivity in cellphones isn't exactly new -- iPhones have had it since 2022 -- but it's typically been reserved for SOS messaging to connect you with an emergency dispatcher. On July 23, T-Satellite users will be able to send SMS texts on iPhone and Android. Android users will also get MMS immediately, with iPhone support "to follow." This means users will be able to send images and audio clips in addition to standard text messages. In October, the service will expand to include data support in third-party apps like AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp and X. The access takes advantage of hooks built into iOS and Android software, so developers can make their apps capable of sending data through the narrow amounts of bandwidth available via satellite. This is far beyond what the other phone carriers have launched so far in the satellite realm -- largely due to T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink. AT&T and Verizon have both partnered with AST SpaceMobile for satellite messaging, and Verizon told CNET's Eli Blumenthal last year that it's still planning on working with Amazon's Project Kuiper, which launched its first 27 satellites on April 28, 2025. "Despite things that our competitors have said, they are way, way behind on this technology," says Katz. How much does T-Satellite cost? T-Satellite is available to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers for a standalone $10 per month. But there's one exception: Customers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ($100 per month for one line) or the Go5G Next plan will get the service for included in the cost of the plan going forward, and those on the Experience More plan ($85 per month) will get it through the end of the year. Even if you don't pay the $10 a month, T-Mobile says 911 texting will be available later this year "to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier." If you're a Verizon or AT&T customer, you'll have to activate T-Satellite as a second eSIM on your phone to take advantage of the service. You can find instructions on setting up the eSIM here. Which phones support T-Satellite? Most phones released in the past couple of years will work with T-Satellite. Here are the devices that are currently compatible: Apple iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models) Google Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9A Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 Moto Razr 2024 Moto Razr Plus 2024 Moto Razr 2025 Moto Razr Plus 2025 Moto Razr Ultra 2025 Moto Razr Ultra Plus 2025 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A25 5G SE* Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36 SE Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Samsung Galaxy A54 5G* Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. Motorola Motorola Edge 2024 Moto G 2024 Moto G Stylus 2024 Moto G 5G 2024 Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A14 Samsung Galaxy A15* Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy A53* Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. T-Mobile
Tom's Guide
23-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
T-Satellite with Starlink is launching next month — what you need to know about T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile service
Starting next month, it should be easier than ever to stay connected on T-Mobile's wireless network, as the carrier has just announced plans to launch its satellite-to-mobile service starting July 23. T-Satellite launches initially with support for text messaging, with plans to offer data connectivity over satellite in October. The T-Satellite service is the result of a collaboration between T-Mobile and Starlink that was first announced three years ago. As detailed by T-Mobile president Mike Katz during a press event today (June 23), the T-Satellite service will be included with T-Mobile's $100/month Experience Beyond plan as well as older Go5G Next plans. Other T-Mobile plans will offer T-Satellite connectivity as a $10/month add-on. T-Satellite relies on a network of 650-plus satellites. Katz says that phones will automatically connect to the satellite-based network when there's no cellular connection, so users won't have to go through a connection process whenever they're out of range. According to T-Mobile, satellite connectivity will work with around 75% of the devices used by the carrier's current customer base. That covers nearly any that's been made in the last four years, Katz says. Both Android and iOS devices will have text message support at launch, and Android users will also enjoy support for MMS messaging. MMS support for iPhones will follow. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Starting October 1, T-Satellite will expand to data-based connectivity, with satellite-enabled apps from AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp and X that coverage weather, mapping and messaging, among other crucial tasks for when you're in remote areas. T-Mobile is also offering developer tools to help app makers ready their own software for T-Satellite's data service. The initial launch of T-Satellite includes support for 911 texting by T-Mobile customers, but in October, T-Mobile says it will expand emergency texting to any mobile customer of any carrier who uses a compatible phone. T-Mobile announced the T-Satellite launch as part of an event to mark an award from third-party testing firm Ookla that names T-Mobile the best phone network in the U.S. It's quite a turnaround for the carrier which found itself ranked last in network performance surveys a dozen years ago. "We not only dream about going from worst to best, we actually do it," said chief operating officer Srini Gopalan. "We're a good two years ahead of Verizon and At&T and i believe that lead is going to grow." T-Mobile also made two other announcements today aimed at expanding its customer base. Perks offered by the company to subscribers will now included a free DashPass membership from DoorDash. DashPash normally costs $10/month and eliminates delivery fees while reducing service fees among other benefits. CEO Mike Sievert said the benefit will come to T-Mobile's "most popular plans," including the current Experience Beyond and Experience More options. In a move targeting Verizon customers looking to switch carriers, a new T-Mobile promotion called Easy Upgrade offers to pay off the balance customers owe to Verizon for their current phone. Those switchers will then receive a flagship phone — Sievert specifically mentioned devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 — from T-Mobile.
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Not a typo! T-Mobile is giving away Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus for free right now
In the market for a powerful, big screen phone? T-Mobile has an enticing offer for you. Right now, you can get Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus for free at T-Mobile. No, that's not a typo. Samsung's phone typically starts at $999, but right now, T-Mobile is giving the phone away for free. All you have to do is trade in an eligible phone in any condition on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. That's right — you can turn in a broken, eligible smartphone and you'll receive a new Galaxy S25 Plus for free. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: free with eligible trade-in @ T-MobileT-Mobile will give you this phone for free when you trade in an eligible smartphone in any condition on a T-Mobile Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display w/ 120Hz refresh, Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. You also get a 50MP wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto lens and a 12MP front camera. It packs a larger 4,900 mAh battery than the Galaxy S25. Of course, there are a few stipulations that come with this offer. The free phone is paid out in credits through a 24-month billing cycle, which means you will be locked into a contract for two years. Additionally, you must have or switch to T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next rate plan. However, being able to trade in a phone in any condition and getting a new one for free, is a pretty sweet deal in itself. In our review, we said that "it's one of the smartest and most feature packed phones you'll find." The only downside was its price and where it's positioned in the lineup of best Samsung phones. However, this deal from T-Mobile makes it much easier to consider. What makes it an even more powerful phone is the fact that it comes with all the latest Galaxy AI features, like cross-app actions, Now Bar, and Audio Eraser. Over on the productivity side, it offers multi-tasking with up to 4 apps running simultaneously on the screen, plus Samsung DeX that lets you connect it to a monitor for that desktop PC-like experience. If you're interested in a new phone that's powerful and has a big screen, I recommend trading in your eligible phone today and getting the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for free at T-Mobile.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
T-Mobile is rolling out satellite coverage to its plans soon – and you can already try it out for free even if you're at another carrier
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. T-Mobile is introducing satellite coverage to its plans in July The T-Satellite service is now in beta and free to try Most modern phones are compatible T-Mobile has launched a nationwide beta for its new satellite phone service, allowing users to stay connected in areas without traditional cell coverage. Called T-Satellite, the feature connects automatically when you're out of range of cellular networks, enabling basic connectivity in remote locations. The beta is currently free to join and open to anyone, regardless of carrier, through the end of July. During the beta, users will be able to send and receive texts, make calls, and access data via satellite. You can sign up for the beta now by providing an email address with no special hardware required - according to the T&C's, most modern smartphones will be eligible. T-Mobile is planning on rolling out the T-Satellite service at no extra cost with the carrier's high-end Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans at some point in July this year. Customers who opt into the Experience More plan now will receive satellite coverage for free through the end of the year. Interestingly, the carrier's T-Satellite service will also be available to customers on other networks, including both Verizon and AT&T. While the initial beta period is free to all, the service will be available at an introductory price of $10 per month. According to the FAQ, that will equate to a $5/mo saving in total. Note, as of writing, the carrier has not confirmed how long the introductory pricing will be available. What is Starlink? How to get the satellite service for free on your phone No, iOS 18.3 doesn't install Starlink on your iPhone The best T-Mobile deals for June 2025
Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Galaxy S25 Edge deals — where to get Samsung's super thin new phone for free
Samsung's Galaxy S lineup just got bigger — and thinner. The Galaxy S25 Edge is the newest member of the family, and this device is all about being thin and light. You get a big 6.7-inch display and 200MP camera in a design that measures just 5.8mm thin and weighs 5.8 ounces. There are dozens of Galaxy S25 Edge deals to choose from right now. And trust us when we say you'll want to take advantage of them because this $1,099 phone is not cheap. My favorite deal right now comes from Samsung itself. Samsung is offering up to $750 off the Galaxy S25 Edge with trade-in. Equally impressive, T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S25 Edge for free with trade-in and Experience Beyond or Go5G Next data plans. Those aren't the only Galaxy S25 Edge deals you can get right now. Below I've rounded up the best deals from carriers and retailers alike. For more ways to save, make sure to check out our guide to the best Samsung promo codes. Galaxy S25 Edge: up to $750 off w/ trade-in @ SamsungThe new Galaxy S25 Edge sports a 5.8mm profile, which is 31% thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It also has a 200MP main camera with 10x digital zoom and a 12MP front camera with 85-degree FOV. In our Galaxy S25 Edge review, we called it a svelte phone that offers the same One UI 7 experience and Galaxy AI features found on the S25 Ultra. Just keep in mind you'll need to charge it during the day as its battery life only hit 12 hours and 24 minutes in our testing. Galaxy S25 Edge: free w/ trade-in @ T-MobileT-Mobile is also giving away Samsung's latest phone to anyone who trades in an eligible device in any condition and signs up the carrier's Experience Beyond plan, which costs $100/month. You receive bill credits covering the cost of the Galaxy S25 Edge spread out across 24 months. If you'd prefer a less expensive data plan, you can get $800 off the cost of the Galaxy S25 Edge with a trade-in and a new line on either the Experience More or Go5G Plus. Existing customers on the Experience More, Experience Beyond, Go5G Plus, or Go5G Next plans can also save $800 with a trade-in. Galaxy S25 Edge: free w/ trade-in @ AT&TAT&T is offering the Galaxy S25 Edge for free when you trade-in an eligible phone from any year, in any condition. You'll need to sign up to an eligible 36-month data plan to get this offer. Galaxy S25 Edge: free w/ unlimited @ VerizonWith its 5.8mm profile, the Galaxy S25 Edge is the thinnest phone in Samsung's S25 family. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It also has a 200MP main camera with 10x digital zoom and a 12MP front camera with 85-degree FOV. In our Galaxy S25 Edge review, we called it a svelte phone that's rich in features. Note: The phone is coming in and out of stock at Verizon. Galaxy S25 Edge: up to $830 off w/ trade-in @ Xfinity MobileNew and existing Xfinity Mobile customers can get up to $830 off the Galaxy S25 Edge with an eligible trade-in. Customers with no trade-in can still get $400 off Samsung's new phone when they purchase with Xfinity. Galaxy S25 Edge: up to $750 off w/ trade-in @ Best BuyTrade-in an old phone at Best Buy and you can get up to $750 off the new Galaxy S25 Edge. Additionally, Best Buy Plus and Total members can get a $50 Best Buy gift card with their Galaxy S25 Edge purchase. Galaxy S25 Edge: 512GB for $1,099 @ AmazonAmazon is offering the upgraded 512GB Galaxy S25 Edge for $1,099. That's what you'd normally pay for the base 256GB model. Additionally, you'll get a free $50 Amazon gift card with your purchase.
