Update 10/02/25: T-Mobile has now announced that Starlink beta is now rolling out. The program is also accepting beta testers from Verizon and AT&T as well, and nope, you don’t need a new line or device.

The beta testing phase will run until July 2025, which is when T-Mobile expects the fully roll out the service to all users. For now, T-Mobile Starlink only supports text messaging with picture messages, data and voice calls coming later.

According to T-Mobile, the best part of this service is its seamless simplicity — users don’t have to do anything special. When a phone moves out of range of a cell tower, it automatically switches to the T-Mobile Starlink network. There’s no need for manual connection. Messages, including group texts and reactions, send and receive just like they would on a regular network. Plus, it works on most smartphones from the past four years, without being restricted to specific models or operating systems.


Update 31/01/25: T-Mobile is expanding the Starlink beta testing program to more devices, the latest being the Google Pixel 9 series. If you have one of these devices and are a T-Mobile subscriber, now is the time to join the Starlink party.


Update 30/01/25: According to Bloomberg, T-Mobile customers with a compatible iPhone and access to the Starlink beta can now connect to Starlink satellites after the update to iOS 18.3. Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile have been working together to bring Starlink support to iPhones, a fact confirmed on T-Mobile’s website.

While iPhone 14 and later models already offer satellite text messaging via Apple’s partnership with Globalstar, users with Starlink access can now utilize either service when cellular networks are unavailable.


Original article follows:

T-Mobile and Starlink’s partnership to bring satellite-powered messaging to smartphones is making waves — but not necessarily for the right reasons. As the beta test for this groundbreaking initiative rolls out, users are scratching their heads over confusing eligibility criteria, conflicting support documentation, and an avalanche of cryptic text messages. Let’s unpack the chaos.

A quick recap of the Starlink beta

T-Mobile’s Starlink beta promises to extend mobile connectivity into dead zones using satellites. For now, the beta supports text messaging only, with voice and data capabilities planned for the future. The program’s initial rollout targets postpaid wireless customers and T-Mobile business accounts, with a special emphasis on first responders. It all sounds promising — but the devil is in the details.

The mystery of eligible devices

Early support documentation (via Wayback Machine) listed just five Samsung Galaxy devices as eligible for the beta: Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6.

T-Mobile-starlink

These devices also need to be running Android 15, an OS that’s yet to roll out officially. Notably absent from the list were other major devices with satellite capabilities, including Google’s Pixel 9 series and Apple’s iPhone 14 and newer.

Adding to the confusion, T-Mobile quietly removed this “Eligible Devices” section from its support pages without explanation, leaving users to speculate whether the list was incomplete, outdated, or simply scrapped due to backlash.

Starlink-beta-t-mobile-devices

Mixed messages add fuel to the fire

As users registered their interest in the beta, T-Mobile began sending out three types of text messages:

  • “We’re still getting everything ready for T-Mobile Starlink beta and things are happening fast. In the meantime, keep up-to-date as we continue to prepare an unprecedented amount of satellite in orbit, with even more launching regularly.” This is a generic update suggesting the beta isn’t ready yet.
  • “Congrats! You’ve been accepted to T-Mobile Starlink beta. We’ve partnered with Starlink on a mission to end mobile dead zones with the largest satellite-to-mobile constellation in the world. As a beta tester, you’ll be among the first to try texting via satellite.” This is the golden ticket everyone is looking forward to, granting beta access.
  • “Thanks for your interest in T-Mobile Starlink beta. To ensure the best possible experience and service reliability, we’re optimizing T-Mobile Starlink beta for newer smartphones (majority released in the last two years). More devices will be optimized over time so please stay tuned. This is the bone of contention since it implies that some devices may not qualify just yet.

The third message sparked outrage. Many users — proud owners of flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Pixel 9 Pro — received it despite their phones meeting (or exceeding) the stated requirements. It’s possible that T-Mobile’s system isn’t actually evaluating individual devices but rather sending generic replies. Also, there’s a world where unlocked devices not purchased directly from T-Mobile might be excluded due to a whitelisting process.

Online forums lit up with complaints. Owners of high-end devices, including the latest iPhones and even the eligible Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, expressed frustration at being told their phones weren’t “new enough.” Meanwhile, a couple of Pixel 9 Pro users noted that they’d received updates enabling satellite messaging but still got the same rejection message. One possible explanation? Limited beta spots and a focus on devices purchased through T-Mobile. The carrier is also using a “first come, first served” approach that has left many eager participants feeling sidelined.

But let’s take a step back and clear the air about this T-Mobile Starlink beta. First and foremost, this is a beta. That means it’s not for everyone. It’s not for every device, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve been a loyal T-Mobile customer for 22 years or even if you’re an employee — it’s simply not a free-for-all.

As of now, there are only five officially supported devices for the program. But more devices will likely be added in waves down the road. If we had to guess, the next batch could include the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 series, but until there’s an official announcement, it’s just speculation.

Yes, T-Mobile’s messages have been… let’s call it less than clear. But keep in mind, this is an automated system managing what might be the most ambitious mobile-satellite integration in recent memory. If you think back to the chaos of T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint, you’ll know these transitions don’t happen overnight. Patience is the name of the game.

What’s next for the Beta?

The T-Mobile Starlink beta is an exciting glimpse into the future of connectivity, but its rollout has been anything but smooth. Conflicting messages, unclear eligibility criteria, and missing support documentation have created confusion among users eager to participate.

The decision to remove the “Eligible Devices” list from its website suggests an update may be on the horizon. After all, the company has promised to expand the beta to more devices and customers as additional satellites launch, but the timeline remains unclear.

Hillary Keverenge
623 Posts

Tech junkie. Gadget whisperer. Firmware fighter. I'm here to share my love-hate relationship with technology, one unboxing at a time.

Comments

Follow Us