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Theres never a good time to find yourself with no mobile reception.
Whats more, access isnt limited to T-Mobile customers.
Want to upgrade your coverage with the groundbreaking satellite-to-cell service?
What is Starlink and how does it work?
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX, the space exploration company owned by Elon Musk.
Starlink owns and operates a constellation of thousands of small satellites.
It has been launching these compact satellites into space since 2019.
They are used primarily to serve high-speed internet to Starlink customers with a compatible antenna on the ground.
Unlike traditional satellite internet services, Starlinks satellites circle the planet in a low-Earth orbit.
This makes it a particularly useful service in rural locations.
Early last year,SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities.
These satellites have modems on-board which function the same as cellphone towers.
This means active users can access Starlink coverage wherever they can see the sky.
Starlink on phones: how does T-Mobiles new mobile service work?
T-Mobiles new service ispowered by Starlink satelliteswhich are equipped fordirect-to-cell connectivity.
According to T-Mobile, 451 of these satellites have been launched so far.
As above, these work like cell towers in space.
No additional hardware or antenna is needed.
That means whenever youre in an area without cell service, your smartphone will connect automatically to Starlink satellites.
T-Mobile launched the free public beta test of its Starlink service during the Super Bowlon February 9 2025.
In July, T-Mobile Starlink will switch to a paid version.
It will be included free for anyone on T-Mobiles Go5G Next plan.
Other T-Mobile customers can access it as a paid add-on for $15 a month.
At launch, the service only supports text messaging when connected to the satellite connection.
Starlink on iPhone: how do you get it?
To do that, youll need to have aniPhone 14,iPhone 15oriPhone 16.
That includes the Plus, Pro & Pro Max variants.
Youll also need to be runningiOS version 18.3.
Contrary to TikTok rumors,iOS 18.3 does not secretly install Starlink tech on your iPhone.
Youll then need to register for the T-Mobile beta.
Its not justAppleiPhone users who can reach the public beta.
According to T-Mobile, Starlink works on most smartphones from the last four years.
Whether older Apple smartphones, such as theiPhone 12andiPhone 13, will be included isnt clear.
Starlink Mini: what is Starlinks backpack-friendly version?
Starlink Mini is a different way to enter the internet via SpaceXs Starlink satellite constellation.
Its a portable antenna kit with a built-in Wi-Fi router.
Its different from T-Mobiles Starlink service.
With T-Mobile, users connect toStarlinks direct-to-cell satellitesusing their smartphone.
The satellites work like standard cell towers.
With Starlink Mini, the antenna kit receives signal fromSpaceXs Starlink internet satellites.
Whats more, Starlink Mini supports peak download speeds in excess of 100Mbps.
It ships with a kickstand and power supply, as well as a pipe adapter for pole mounting.
Setup is as simple as plugging it in and pointing it at the sky.
you’re able to use the Starlink app to find optimal installation locations.
The Starlink Mini kit costs $499 / 399 / AU$599 up-front.
Theres a 50GB Roam package for $50 / 50 / AU$80 per month.
Subscriptions can be paused at any time.
Coverage isnt yet global, but it is offered in more than 100 markets.
Subaru Starlink: what is it?
Despite its name, Subaru Starlink has nothing to do with SpaceX satellites.
Subaru Starlink is a package of connected in-car services available on most new Subaru vehicles.
In-car connectivity is via standard cellular networks, rather than satellites.
If youre outside of cell tower range, your vehicle wont be able to access Subaru Starlink services.
Theres no longer a standalone Starlink app, as the features have been rolled into the MySubaru app.
The features available vary from model to model.
Starlink price: whats the monthly cost for Starlink?
The cost of Starlink depends on how you access it.
Customers of other wireless carriers will be able to access T-Mobiles direct-to-cell service for $20 a month.
There is no up-front cost, but they will need an unlocked smartphone with a spare eSIM slot.
Alternatively, you’re free to access satellite internet with a direct subscription to Starlink.
Residential service costs at $120 / 75 / AU$139 per month for unlimited data.
