SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile in its first major step towards ending cellular dead zones, SpaceX chief-executive officer Elon Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced at a live event in Starbase, Texas on Aug. 26. The service aims to connect any consumer device anywhere in the U.S. without the need for bulky satellite phones.
SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile in its first major step towards ending cellular dead zones, SpaceX chief-executive officer Elon Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced at a live event in Starbase, Texas on Aug. 26.
The service aims to connect any consumer device anywhere in the U.S. without the need for bulky satellite phones. T-Mobile says that a vast majority of smartphones on its network will already be compatible.
The two companies will partner to create a new network that will broadcast using Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites on T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum.
At launch, the service will support SMS and MMS messaging, with future plans for adding voice service. The program will enter the beta phase at the end of next year after SpaceX’s planned satellite launches.
