T-Mobile is set to expand its satellite-to-cell service with the introduction of data connectivity starting October 1, 2025. Powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, the move marks a significant step in the U.S. telecom giant’s effort to eliminate mobile dead zones and extend coverage to underserved areas across the country.
The announcement was made during a live event in Bellevue, Washington, by T-Mobile’s President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products, Mike Katz. He revealed that since the beta program launched at the end of 2024, more than 1.8 million customers have signed up — including “hundreds of thousands” who switched from competitors AT&T and Verizon.
Initial Launch Begins July 23 with Messaging Services
T-Mobile’s new service, dubbed T-Satellite, will officially launch on July 23 with basic messaging capabilities. This includes SMS texting, MMS, picture messages, and short audio clips — a foundational step in providing always-on mobile access in areas beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.
The full data rollout scheduled for October will allow users to access popular mobile apps and internet services using the satellite connection. Katz mentioned that the company expects platforms such as Apple, Google, WhatsApp, AccuWeather, AllTrails, and X (formerly Twitter) to enable satellite-supported app functionality as the service matures.
Satellite Coverage to Reach Over 500,000 Square Miles
The service is powered by a dedicated fleet of more than 657 Starlink satellites and is designed to cover over 500,000 square miles across the United States where current cellular infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. This includes remote highways, national parks, and rural towns that typically experience frequent signal loss or lack of service altogether.
Katz noted that interest in the satellite service spiked after a high-profile Super Bowl ad campaign, with signups fairly evenly split between customers in large metropolitan areas and those in small towns and rural regions.
Pricing and Availability
T-Satellite will be included at no additional cost for customers on T-Mobile’s new “Experience Beyond” plan. Other users — including subscribers from rival carriers AT&T and Verizon — will have the option to access the service for $10 per month.
By making the service cross-carrier compatible, T-Mobile aims to turn the platform into a national connectivity solution, regardless of a user’s primary wireless provider.
Industry Impact and Competitive Edge
T-Mobile's move into satellite-backed mobile service positions it at the forefront of next-generation connectivity in the U.S., particularly in remote and underserved regions. While other carriers have announced similar ambitions, T-Mobile appears to be the first among them to initiate a large-scale rollout with active customer participation.
The service also strengthens T-Mobile's competitive edge, particularly in areas where Verizon and AT&T still face infrastructure limitations. And with plans to integrate satellite support for popular third-party apps, T-Mobile is betting on a user experience that blends traditional mobile convenience with frontier technology.
As wireless carriers look beyond terrestrial cell towers for the future of connectivity, T-Mobile’s T-Satellite — with Starlink’s orbital reach — could redefine expectations for nationwide coverage and reshape the telecom industry’s long-standing approach to rural access.