Connecting an iPhone to a satellite for emergency communications
T-Mobile said that it has begun opening up Starlink beta access to users of compatible Apple iPhones with the launch of Apple iOS 18.3.
Compatible iPhones include the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 lineups.
The new offering will keep users remain connected to the T-Mobile network by interconnecting it with the Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX.
T-Mobile customers who were selected received the following message: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”
The integration with Starlink allows a T-Mobile iPhone without T-Mobile cellular reception to pair automatically with Starlink satellites for connectivity. The service will be limited to text messaging at the current time, but T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to add support for data and voice services in the future.
T-Mobile formally announced the Starlink integration in December 2024 on the heels of Federal Communications Commission approval of a license for T-Mobile and SpaceX Starlink to provide supplemental coverage from space in a bid to extend internet access to remote areas.
Starlink, which was launched in 2009, provides voice and data services to over 100 countries.
The T-Mobile Starlink beta program will help customers with compatible smartphones avoid dead zones by leveraging Starlink’s 300 direct‑to‑cell satellites to provide coverage for 500,000 square miles (1.3 billion square miles) of land in the United States that are not covered by cell towers, according to T-Mobile.
The beta will afford users connectivity in challenging-to-access places such as rural locations, concerts, and even airplanes.
“Thank you for registering for the T-Mobile Starlink beta,” the registration confirmation message said after entering the requested information. The sign-up form then reminds the user that Starlink beta registration applies only for line for which the application was submitted and each line must be registered separately.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
