T-Mobile is set to roll out a satellite-based data service on its T-Satellite network—powered by SpaceX’s Starlink—starting October 1, expanding its effort to eliminate mobile dead zones across the U.S. The service follows the commercial launch of T-Satellite on July 23, which will initially support SMS, MMS, picture messaging, and short audio clips.
According to T-Mobile’s marketing chief Mike Katz, over 1.8 million users have already signed up for the beta since late 2024, including “hundreds of thousands” who switched from AT&T and Verizon. Much of the sign-up surge followed T-Mobile’s Super Bowl ad campaign.
Backed by 657 Starlink satellites, the service will cover over 500,000 square miles of previously unreachable areas—well beyond traditional cellular tower coverage.
The data service will be free for users on T-Mobile’s new “Experience Beyond” plan, while non-T-Mobile users, including AT&T and Verizon customers, can access it for $10/month. Adoption so far has been strong in both major cities and rural areas, Katz added.
