T-Mobile says subscribers will be able to connect to Starlink's second-generation satellites for coverage

T-Mobile and SpaceX have announced a new technology alliance they call "Coverage and Above and Beyond" that aims to end mobile dead zones. At an event at SpaceX's Starbase facility, the companies revealed they were working to integrate a slice of T-Mobile's midband 5G spectrum into second-generation Starlink satellites launched this year. next. It's like putting a cell tower in the sky, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said at the event. He also said they envision a future where if you have a clear view of the sky, you're connected on your cellphone, even if it's in the middle of the ocean. Never worry about not being able to contact first responders or your friends and family when driving or hiking in places where there is usually no coverage.

The companies are making sure your existing phones can connect to the service, which will go into beta as soon as late next year. It will start with messaging (SMS, MMS and some messaging apps), allowing you to send and receive messages in real time, and Sievert said companies will continue until the service can also offer data. and voice. Although the partners didn't exactly launch a product at the event, the T-Mobile CEO promised the service would be free with popular T-Mobile plans. For low-cost packages that don't include it, the carrier may charge for the service, but at much lower prices than satellite services.

SpaceX chief Elon Musk tweeted that connectivity will be 2-4 megabits per cellular area, which isn't high bandwidth if shared by multiple people, but is enough to send messages. SMS and call.

On stage, Musk said the service would save lives because it would allow people to call for help from even the most remote places. When asked how his company had to modify Starlink satellites to make the service work, Musk said SpaceX had to design a very large, extremely advanced antenna that could pick up very quiet signals from your cell phone. The company is still working on it in the lab, but Musk said SpaceX is confident it will work in the field.

Business leaders have issued an open invitation to carriers around the world to make the service available everywhere. In the United States, international carriers can partner with T-Mobile so that visitors to the country can also connect to Starlink satellites with their mobile devices.

Update: When asked if Tesla vehicles also have access to extended corporate coverage on Twitter, Musk said yes. At the moment, Tesla cars connect to the AT&T network.

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