The Super Bowl Commercial Reveals T-Mobile’s Starlink Satellite-to-cell Texting Beta

T-Mobile US Inc. has offered a free statewide beta test of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband through July 2025. In a commercial that ran during today’s game, the Bellevue-based carrier revealed the beta launch of T-Mobile Starlink, a collaboration with SpaceX to offer satellite direct-to-cell connectivity.

During the Super Bowl game, T-Mobile, one of the biggest telecom companies in the US, made the announcement.

More than 500,000 square miles of the nation that are not serviced by any carrier’s earthbound cell towers will be covered by the service, which is free until July. Additionally, it will be accessible on the newest handsets produced, not only for T-Mobile users but also for cellular subscribers who use T-Mobile’s rivals, such as Verizon and AT&T.

In its release, T-Mobile stated that “T-Mobile Starlink uses specially configured satellites with Direct-to-Cell capabilities orbiting the Earth 200+ miles up in space and travelling at over 17,000 miles per hour to deliver cell phone signals.”

It is not restricted to a small number of smartphones or OS systems and is compatible with the majority of smartphones over the past four years.

Customers of competing telecom companies Verizon and AT&T will also be able to use it. They are not even required to change.

Additionally, T-Mobile will use Starlink to broadcast Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to anybody with a compatible device and within signal range across the country.

T-Mobile Starlink’s Cost

Only text communications, including wireless emergency alerts, are permitted with the first service. Voice conversations, data, and picture communications are scheduled for later.

The beta will remain available until July. T-Mobile Starlink will then be free of charge with its Go5G Next plan (including Go5G Next 55+ variants).

Additionally, Go5G Business Next, T-Priority plans for first responder agencies, and other chosen premium rate plans will offer business clients T-Mobile Starlink at no additional cost.

For $15 per line each month, T-Mobile users on any other plan can also add the service.

However, T-Mobile users who signed up for the test can take advantage of an Early Adopter Discount of $10/month per line, or 33% off the full pricing, through February.

However, when the service launches in July, it will cost $20 per line each Verizon and AT&T user.

Who is Eligible to Sign up for the T-Mobile Starlink Beta?

The beta is open to all carriers, including first responders and businesses. Before the system launches in July, the users will be continuously recruited to test it and offer input.

The first and only space-based mobile network in the United States, T-Mobile Starlink, connects to your phone automatically, allowing you to stay connected even in the absence of a cellular network. In a statement, T-Mobile President and CEO Mike Sievert said, “It’s a huge technical accomplishment and a complete game changer for ALL wireless users.”

Emergency texting via satellite is already available on Apple’s most recent iPhone models. Verizon and other telecom providers are collaborating with Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite initiative to provide hybrid connection.