T-Mobile has opened beta registration for Starlink’s direct-to-smartphone satellite service, enabling text messaging early next year on select newer devices in most U.S. cellular dead zones with a clear sky view.

This free beta program is available to all T-Mobile customers with compatible devices and postpaid voice plans. First responders will receive priority access due to limited initial capacity. The company did not disclose specific capacity and device limitations but noted the beta will gradually expand via software updates. “Spots are limited but the service will be available in most areas and most of the time,” a T-Mobile spokesperson stated.

SpaceX has launched over 300 Starlink satellites with direct-to-smartphone capabilities and recently received permission to offer this service in the United States using up to 7,500 satellites. These satellites will utilize T-Mobile’s radio waves to connect devices across the 1.29 million square kilometers of the U.S. lacking cell tower coverage.

Unlike Apple’s space-enabled messaging for iPhones (launched in 2022 via Globalstar’s constellation), T-Mobile emphasizes that Starlink connectivity won’t require users to manually point their phones upwards for signal acquisition.

T-Mobile also has roaming agreements with KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile and Peru), and Rogers (Canada), but the timeline for international expansion remains unclear.

The beta test duration before commercial launch depends on user feedback, according to the spokesperson. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval for this Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) is contingent upon non-interference with other networks. The FCC is still considering SpaceX's request to increase the radio emission power of its satellites, a necessity for real-time voice and higher bandwidth capabilities, as mentioned by SpaceX.

Meanwhile, AT&T and Verizon are also seeking FCC permission to test competing direct-to-smartphone services through a partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which deployed its initial five commercial spacecraft in September via a SpaceX Falcon 9.