Starlink-Powered 'T-Satellite' Service Is Now Live On T-Mobile (theverge.com) 10
T-Mobile has officially launched its Starlink-powered "T-Satellite" service nationwide, offering off-grid text messaging and location-sharing to both customers and non-customers. The service is currently $10/month (soon to be $15), supports over 60 devices, and will expand to include voice and "satellite-optimized" apps. The Verge reports: Your device will automatically connect to T-Satellite if you're in an area with no cellular coverage. As long as there isn't a heavy amount of cloud coverage or trees blocking your view of the sky, you should be able to send and receive text messages, including to 911, as well as share a link that temporarily tracks your location. T-Mobile's support page says the ability to send pictures is available on "most" Android phones, and the company plans on adding support for more devices soon.
T-Mobile is also aiming to enable voice messages and will eventually allow devices to connect to "satellite-optimized" apps, which it previously said could include AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp. The more than 650 Starlink satellites used by T-Mobile cover the continental US, Hawaii, parts of southern Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The carrier says it's working on offering satellite connectivity while abroad and in international waters as well. [...] In order to use T-Satellite, you'll need to have an unlocked device with support for eSIMs and satellite connectivity.
T-Mobile is also aiming to enable voice messages and will eventually allow devices to connect to "satellite-optimized" apps, which it previously said could include AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp. The more than 650 Starlink satellites used by T-Mobile cover the continental US, Hawaii, parts of southern Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The carrier says it's working on offering satellite connectivity while abroad and in international waters as well. [...] In order to use T-Satellite, you'll need to have an unlocked device with support for eSIMs and satellite connectivity.
I guess I'm going sailing! (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
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Is that problem more with the satellites, or with the devices? They could always make dedicated safety devices that talk to Starlink and don't cost as much.
Re:Reliability from a real user (Score:2)
Just this year I signed up for and received the beta satellite texting service on my samsung phone. It works spot on every time for simple text messages. I have also always had inreach for emergencies, but am probably going to cancel it now. It is slow, takes a long time, and
enablement uncertainty (Score:2)
From reading the typical information-sparse marketingspeak on T-Mobile's website, it is not clear as to whether this thing activates dynamically whenever cell towers cannot be reached, or if it based on a known map of dead zones known to T-Mobile. Is it of any use offshore? What about areas where a cell tower has just failed? What about overloaded areas such as in the aftermath of a hurricane?
We need details and better technical information. Also, a lot of us would like to know, can we use this for senso
How do you do that? (Score:2)
How does one make an app "satellite optimized"?