Starlink connectivity on iPhone is almost here, beta registration now open

Michael Burkhardt | Dec 21 2024 - 5:00 am PT

Earlier this week, T-Mobile announced that you can now register to beta test Starlink connectivity on your mobile phone, with actual testing expected to begin early next year – roughly two years after the initial announcement.

Back in 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a partnership to allow T-Mobile customers to utilize Starlink satellites – in an effort to eliminate deadzones for customers. This required SpaceX to design new direct-to-cell satellites, but according to T-Mobile, there are now more than 300 of them in orbit.

In the press release, T-Mobile announced that these new Starlink satellites will cover more than 500,000 square miles of land that aren’t currently served by cell towers. SpaceX will also continue to launch more of these direct-to-cell satellites over time, though a timeline wasn’t provided for when there’ll be a non-beta rollout.

During the beta, you’ll be able to send text messages – with voice and data support coming later.

Top comment by Charlie Landherr

Liked by 1 people

Starlink has already run out of capacity. In some locations they have added a waiting list to buy an antenna now and people who are currently using starlink are reporting slower speeds. I can’t imagine what this increase in load will do to their bandwidth. This doesn’t seem like a good option unless they plan on doubling their satellites. Guarantee this will be a super expensive add on in T-Mobile as well. Someone will have to pay for all those new satellites and launches. I was excited about this 2 years ago, but now seeing issues with capacity and ever increasing

prices, I am skeptical this will be a good value.

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Any postpaid T-Mobile customer can sign up, as well as businesses and first responders. Luckily, the beta test does not require any higher-end plan.

If you’re on a consumer plan, you can sign up for the beta here, and businesses/first responders can sign up for the beta at this link.

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Michael Burkhardt mbrkhrdt

Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.

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