America’s top telecom operator T-Mobile has opened up its Starlink beta access to iOS 18.3 users, giving them access to texting via satellite.
T-Mobile confirmed that it was offering this on its website on 28 January, but the beta access is restricted to a few iOS 18.3 users for now, with plans to enroll more users.
Those to be enrolled will receive text messages inviting them to participate in the beta testing phase ahead of general roll out later in the year.
Giving wider access
T-Mobile first Partnered with Starlink in 2022 to provide internet access to its users where the its cellular network may not be accessible.
The mobile network service provider in December last year opened up its beta access to Starlink for Samsung smartphones only, but is now opening up to iPhone users with iOS 18.3.
Those eligible for the beta phase receive messages like the one below:
“You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”
Going forward, such iPhone users who subscribe to T-Mobile will be able to text from almost anywhere there is no default cellular service available.
While the service is limited to texting for now, the telecom giant is working on expanding the access to data and voice soon.
Apple stepping up
iPhone’s enrollment in T-Mobile beta testing for Starlink access was made possible through a partnership between Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile.
Already, users with iPhone 14 or later have access to texting via satellite through Apple’s partnership with Globalstar, the provider of Apple’s built-in satellite service.
During the time of T-Mobile’s beta testing, the Starlink service will be free of charge and is currently restricted to the U.S. only.