T-Mobile, SpaceX Partner to Boost Connectivity in Areas With No Cellular Coverage

T-Mobile is looking to SpaceX’s satellites in the skies to help flesh out its network coverage. On Thursday, the two companies announced that they will be working together to “bring cell phone connectivity everywhere,” including offering “complete coverage in most places in the US.” 

The partnership aims to use SpaceX’s constellation of low Earth orbit satellites to beam down connectivity that T-Mobile users can tap into. While SpaceX already offers home internet service around the globe through its Starlink program, with this program T-Mobile users should be able to connect to the SpaceX satellites through a “new network, broadcast from Starlink’s satellites using T-Mobile’s midband spectrum nationwide.” 

Although the company hasn’t yet offered specifics on where the network will appear, T-Mobile says it should deliver “nearly complete coverage almost anywhere a customer can see the sky,” with the companies envisioning this service as a replacement for using satellite phones in remote areas like a national park or in the mountains. The carrier will start offering service through SpaceX in a beta that will take place in “select areas by the end of next year” after “SpaceX’s planned satellite launches.” Once operational, the network should cover the continental US as well as Hawaii, “parts” of Alaska, Puerto Rico and “territorial waters.” The beta will initially be limited just to text messaging (via SMS, MMS and “participating messaging apps”) though T-Mobile and SpaceX are open to adding voice and data support in the future (albeit with no timeline given beyond “the coming years”). 

It’s not immediately clear if this network will have a special designation on users’ devices or if T-Mobile will charge extra for it. The carrier told CNET the initial launch won’t broadcast a 5G signal and that it will share more details “in the future.” Because the new network is broadcasting over T-Mobile’s midband spectrum, the wireless carrier said that the “vast majority of smartphones” already on its network will be compatible with the new service and that users won’t necessarily need to buy a new phone to tap into the signal. 

The cellular network will be exclusive to T-Mobile customers and will exist alongside SpaceX’s Starlink broadband program on future satellites that SpaceX launches.  The companies aren’t partnering on home broadband with this announcement, despite the two offering similar but competing services, particularly for those looking for connectivity in rural areas. For its part, T-Mobile said it’s “always open to ways to further our mission to give more homes reliable broadband.”

Now playing: Watch this: SpaceX Is Taking Commercial Space Beyond Tourism

9:31

“We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said in a statement.

The two companies are touting the program as a global initiative and are extending an “open invitation” to carriers around the world, with T-Mobile promising that it will offer “reciprocal roaming” to other wireless providers who join in. It’s unclear if T-Mobile would welcome AT&T or Verizon into this program or if it has an exclusive in the US on its partnership with SpaceX.  As for pricing, Sievert said the company plans to include it on the carrier’s “most popular plans,” though older or cheaper plans may need to pay a monthly fee for the feature.

T-Mobile’s SpaceX partnership is the latest tie-up between a traditional cell phone carrier and a satellite provider to boost coverage. Last year, Verizon announced it would be working with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a rival to SpaceX and its Starlink program, to augment its 4G LTE and 5G coverage.  Verizon told CNET that the goal of that partnership — which isn’t exclusive — was to “make the entire map of the US red,” referring to Verizon’s brand color and its coverage maps where red indicates areas where you can find its wireless services.

However, neither company provided a timeline for when the service would be available, with the Verizon spokesman telling CNET last year that the project was a “few years away.” 

AT&T has also been looking at satellites to boost its coverage, including striking a deal last year with satellite company OneWeb to offer connections to the wireless carrier’s business users, though it hasn’t announced plans for a consumer offering. 

Tags:

atlantis-the-palm listed on couponmatrix.uklenovo listed on couponmatrix.ukpets-and-friends listed on couponmatrix.ukswift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.ukthompson-and-morgan listed on couponmatrix.ukunineed listed on couponmatrix.uk
atlantis-the-palm listed on couponmatrix.ukSprinkle some luxury into your next getaway with the help of the Atlantis, The Palm hotel. With five-star quality rooms and suites overlooking the spectacular views of the Arabian Sea or Dubai Skyline, you’ll never want to stay anywhere else. Use your Atlantis The Palm promo code to knock off money from your Dubai experience and put them towards the Aquaventure waterpark on-site or a day experience of diving with amazing animals!
lenovo listed on couponmatrix.ukLenovo was founded in 1984 by a group of ten engineers in Beijing and has grown from humble beginnings to become a world leader in computer technology. In 2013, Lenovo was revealed to be the world’s largest personal computer vendor by unit sales and operates in more than 60 countries. Shoppers can check here for a Lenovo discount code to be used on a wide range of products, from smart televisions to IT management software.
pets-and-friends listed on couponmatrix.ukShop and save on all your petcare essentials with Pets and Friends. We’ve tracked down all the best ways to save, including free delivery deals, money-off codes and exclusive offers. Stocking top brands like Wellness CORE, Kong and Whimzees, you know you’re getting the very best for your dog, cat, hamster, bird, fish… and everything in between! These great Pets and Friends discount codes will help make your money go further. From essentials such as dog food and cat litter, through to daily, weekly, and special treats, the Pets and Friends online and in-store offering has something for every pet.
swift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.ukDecorate and illuminate your window fittings with Swift Direct Blinds, the Yorkshire-based business that offers all you need to keep your house full of light. From classic Venetian blinds to suede curtains and wooden shutters, kit out your home and use a Swift Direct Blinds discount code to secure savings on your fixtures of choice. Even if you’re on the lookout for skylight blinds or energy-saving alternatives, Swift Direct Blinds have an option for you.
thompson-and-morgan listed on couponmatrix.ukWith over 150 years of experience in horticulture, Thompson & Morgan are one of the UK’s top seed providers. They stock thousands of seeds including flowers, garden plants, fruits, and vegetables. Whichever variety you’re looking for, you’ll find it here - and when you use a Thompson & Morgan voucher code, you’ll snap it up at the best possible prices.
unineed listed on couponmatrix.ukEstablished in 201, Unineed is a premium beauty and fashion retailer with a passion for internationally renowned brands. Whether you're a professional make-up artist or an avid amateur, everyone will find something new at Unineed. Unleashed your creativity for for less with a Unineed discount code and snap up bestseller skincare, make-up, fragrance and more. Unineed is not just for women either - men can also feel and look great with Unineed's collection of haircare, skincare and electricals too.