T-Mobiles can connect to SpaceX Starlink for Absolutely Free

T-Mobile and SpaceX have announced that Starlink satellites launched next year will be able to connect directly to the T-Mobile’s phones over existing cellular bands

SpaceX’s Elon Musk and T-Mobile’s Mike Sievert announced the “technology alliance” at the space company’s Starbase in Texas.

They're working on integrating a slice of T-Mobile's mid-band 5G spectrum into the second-gen Starlink satellites launching next year

“It’s a lot like putting a cellular tower in the sky, just a lot harder,” said Sievert

He also said that they're envisioning a future wherein if you have a clear view of the sky, you are connected on your mobile phone — even if it's the middle of the ocean.

The companies are making it so that your existing phones can connect to the service, which will enter beta as soon as late next year.

It will start with messaging (SMS, MMS and select messaging apps), allowing you to send and receive messages in real time, and the companies will keep going until the service can also offer data and voice.

T-Mobile CEO promised that the service will come free with T-Mobile's popular plans. For low-cost plans that don't include it, the carrier may charge for the service, but for far lower prices than satellite services do. 

SpaceX chief Elon Musk tweeted that connectivity will be 2 to 4 Megabits per cell zone, which isn't a high bandwidth if shared by multiple people, but is enough for texting and calling.

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