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March 18, 2025
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During last year’s Super Bowl, T-Mobile ran a series of star-studded ads promoting Magenta Status. Fast forward to 2025, and T-Mobile used the biggest Sunday of the year to turn attention to their new satellite phone service—T-Mobile Starlink. They’re calling it a new era in connectivity. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down.
T-Mobile Starlink is a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite service. To this point, Starlink has been primarily known for providing high-speed internet using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The collaboration extends T-Mobile’s reach into remote areas not typically covered by traditional cell towers, and it helps Starlink branch out beyond internet service into the mobile market. The benefit to consumers is an extra layer of coverage in areas previously not well-served by the big three network operators, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
For now, only those in the T-Mobile Starlink Beta Satellite Test can try the service. If you’re lucky enough to score an invite, you’ll be able to beta test T-Mobile Starlink at no extra cost until it officially launches in July. You'll find details on how to sign up for the Beta Test below.
Interestingly, you don’t have to be a T-Mobile customer to join the T-Mobile Starlink Beta Test and try the service for free. Likewise, when the service is out of beta, T-Mobile says it will be available not only to its customers but also to those on AT&T and Verizon postpaid plans as an extra service that doesn’t require switching carriers. What you will need, however, is a 5G-enabled phone (more on that later).
When T-Mobile Starlink is out of beta and officially available in July, the carrier will start charging $15 per month for the service for existing T-Mobile customers, unless you’re on its premium Go5G Next plan, which includes T-Mobile Starlink for free. For AT&T and Verizon customers who wish to get T-Mobile Starlink without switching carriers, the cost will be $20 per month.
Whether or not T-Mobile Starlink is worth paying for comes down to coverage. If your current wireless carrier meets your coverage needs, T-Mobile Starlink may not be for you. However, if you need service in rural areas where traditional cellular towers cannot reach (you probably know if that’s you), T-Mobile Starlink may help. To compare mobile coverage in your area by carrier, we recommend checking Navi’s wireless coverage maps, including our state-by-state analysis.
I’m a long-time Verizon Wireless customer, and I signed up for the T-Mobile Starlink Beta Test. I’m frequently plagued by SOS on my iPhone on mountain roads from Massachusetts to Vermont, so I’m intrigued by the service. Before I pay for T-Mobile Starlink, I’d like to try it for free in beta. However, based on demand, beta invites may be hard to come by. If and when I get off the waitlist, I’ll be sure to update this article with my thoughts on whether T-Mobile Starlink is worth it.
According to T-Mobile, they’ll be admitting beta testers over the coming months. Although I was a bit disappointed to learn I may have to wait a while, signing up was as easy as following the steps below:
Whether due to high demand, I don't know, but I haven't heard much since I raised my hand for a T-Mobile Starlink Satellite Beta Test invite on February 12, 2025. Note that I didn't want any special insider treatment, so I used my personal email address to sign up. However, I did receive the email below on March 28, 2025 about confirming that my phone is compatible. Hopefully, that's a sign that my invite is soon to follow.
As noted, you need a 5G-enabled phone to access satellite connectivity via T-Mobile Starlink. If your phone is more than four years old, you’ll need to upgrade to take advantage of this service.
That’s where Navi can help. Our free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder can help you find the best phones deals you qualify for in a matter of seconds.
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Here’s a list of phones that are currently compatible with T-Mobile Starlink.
Apple
Motorola
Samsung
T-Mobile
According to T-Mobile, once you’re signed up, your phone will automatically connect to T-Mobile Starlink when no other service is available. You’ll see the network “T-Mobile SpaceX” when connected. Here’s to hoping it’s that simple.
T-Mobile Starlink is currently in beta testing. You can sign up for the T-Mobile Starlink Beta Test now to try the service for free until it officially launches in July.
T-Mobile is partnering with Starlink to provide satellite service when you’re in an area where traditional cellular service is unavailable.
Where available, T-Mobile’s 5G cellular network is typically faster than Starlink. However, in areas where T-Mobile cellular towers cannot reach, Starlink’s satellite service can provide better connectivity for your mobile phone than T-Mobile.
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