Tech

T-Mobile says subscribers will be able to connect to Starlink’s second-generation satellite for coverage


T Mobile and SpaceX have announced a new technology alliance they call “Coverage and Above and Beyond” that aims to end mobile deadlock. During an event at SpaceX’s Starbase facility, the companies revealed that they were working to integrate part of T-Mobile’s mid-range 5G spectrum into the second-generation Starlink satellite launching next year. It’s like taking a cell tower to the sky, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said during the event. He also says they are envisioning a future in which if you have a clear view of the sky, you’ll be connected on your cell phone – even if it’s in the middle of the ocean. No more worrying that you won’t be able to contact first responders or friends and family while driving or hiking in places that aren’t normally covered.

Companies are making it so your existing phone can connect to the service, which will soon be included in beta later next year. It will start with messaging (SMS, MMS, and some messaging apps), allowing you to send and receive messages in real time, and Sievert says the companies will continue until the service is available. can also provide data and voice. While the partners didn’t exactly launch products during the event, the T-Mobile CEO promised that the service would be free with popular T-Mobile plans. For low-cost plans that do not include this service, the service provider may charge a fee for the service, but at a much lower price than for satellite services.

SpaceX chief Elon Musk tweeted that the connection would be 2 to 4 Megabits per cell zone, which is not high bandwidth, but should work fine for texting and voice calling.

On stage, Musk said the service would save lives, as it would allow people to call for help even from the most remote places. When asked how his company had to adapt the Starlink satellite for the service to work, Musk said SpaceX had to design a very large, extremely advanced antenna capable of receiving very quiet signals from your mobile phone. The company is still working on it in the lab, but Musk said SpaceX is confident it will work in the field.

Company directors have issued an open invitation to carriers worldwide to provide service everywhere. In the US, international carriers can partner with T-Mobile so that visitors to the country can also connect to Starlink satellites using their mobile devices.

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