T-Mobile has announced that its satellite service, T-Satellite, will launch on July 23.

Developed with SpaceX’s Starlink, the service has been in beta testing for six months.

At launch, it will support SMS on Android and iOS, and MMS on Android. MMS for iOS will come later.

The service is included in the “Experience Beyond” plan or available for US$10 per month to users nationwide, regardless of carrier.

A data connectivity upgrade is set for October 1.

Initially, only select apps like AllTrails, AccuWeather, and WhatsApp will support satellite data.

T-Mobile has also mentioned working with Apple and Google, though no specific apps have been named.

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🔗 Source: The Verge

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Satellite communications entering a pivotal market transition

The T-Mobile satellite service launch comes during a significant shift in the satellite communications industry, which is projected to grow to $19.4 billion by 2028, reversing a market decline that began in 20141.

Industry analysts expect 2021-2022 to mark an inflection point where revenue from voice and data applications will equal traditional broadcast revenues for the first time, fundamentally changing satellite business models1.

While the article mentions T-Mobile’s initial focus on messaging, this aligns with the broader industry trend toward consumer-focused applications like rural connectivity and in-flight communications that are driving market growth.

The timing of T-Mobile’s launch positions it to capitalize on this transition while competitors are still developing their offerings, potentially giving it a first-mover advantage in the consumer satellite space.

2️⃣ T-Mobile’s hardware-agnostic approach creates technical advantage

Unlike competitors Verizon and AT&T who require specialized equipment for their AST SpaceMobile partnership, T-Mobile’s Starlink-powered service will work with most smartphones from the past four years without additional hardware23.

This approach significantly reduces adoption barriers for consumers and explains why T-Mobile can offer the service to non-T-Mobile customers for just $10 per month — the hardware compatibility makes it accessible to nearly anyone2.

The service will cover over 500,000 square miles of previously unserved areas, addressing a critical connectivity gap for rural and remote users3.

T-Mobile’s phased rollout strategy, starting with messaging and later adding app-specific data connectivity, mirrors how conventional cellular networks evolved. This suggests a deliberate approach to managing bandwidth constraints while maximizing utility.

3️⃣ Satellite service complements T-Mobile’s network leadership strategy

T-Mobile recently claimed the title of “best network in America” based on Ookla tests involving over 570 million tests and 6 million devices, a position previously held by Verizon4.

The company’s network superiority comes from its infrastructure advantage (82,715 towers, 10-15% more than Verizon) and strategic spectrum holdings in low-band 600 MHz and mid-band 2.5 GHz that provide better propagation than competitors4.

By adding satellite coverage, T-Mobile is extending its network advantage beyond traditional cellular infrastructure into areas where building towers isn’t economically viable, creating a more comprehensive coverage proposition for customers.

The satellite service integration aligns with CEO Mike Sievert’s stated goal to “not only defend but extend this leadership for years to come,” suggesting the company views satellite connectivity as a strategic differentiator rather than merely a supplemental feature4.

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