In a groundbreaking partnership, T-Mobile and SpaceX have unveiled plans to transform every cell phone in the United States into a satellite phone by integrating them with SpaceX’s low-earth-orbit satellite constellation, Starlink. This ambitious collaboration aims to provide T-Mobile subscribers with near-complete “satellite-to-cellular service” across the U.S., eliminating dead zones and extending connectivity to areas currently unreachable by traditional land-based cell service.
Elon Musk, Chief Engineer of SpaceX, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, “The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone.” The partnership will leverage Starlink’s constellation of satellites and T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum to offer initial services, including text messaging, multimedia messaging services (MMS), and the use of participating messaging apps. Connectivity speeds are expected to range from 2 to 4 Megabits per cell zone, with future plans to include voice and data coverage.
The scheduled launch of the new network is set for the end of 2023, starting with a beta program in select areas. This integration will not only enhance coverage within the continental U.S. but will also extend to Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, territorial waters, and areas beyond the reach of T-Mobile’s existing network.
Elon Musk, in a series of tweets, mentioned that the service will be available “almost anywhere a customer can see the sky,” adding that it will eventually be extended to Tesla cars. The companies plan to further expand the network’s reach with the launch of Starlink V2 next year, which will transmit directly to mobile phones and eliminate dead zones globally.
During an event announcing the “Coverage Above and Beyond” partnership, Musk and T-Mobile President and CEO Mike Sievert expressed their intention to make the service available worldwide. They issued an open invitation to carriers worldwide to join the initiative, with T-Mobile committing to offer reciprocal roaming to participating providers.
Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, highlighted the innovative nature of the collaboration, stating, “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.
As the collaboration progresses, it holds the potential to redefine the landscape of cellular connectivity, offering unprecedented coverage and accessibility to users across the globe.
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