Smartphones in the US could connect to Starlink satellites for free

SpaceX and T-Mobile announced during the Super Bowl that users can access the internet connection offered by the Starlink satellites for free. During the event, the companies confirmed that this access is part of a beta that will be charged from July onward. After this, the services will have a price and will be accessible to users with an eSim smartphone.

This free access will not be limited to T-Mobile users, other users can also be part of this trial period after signing in to the T-Mobile form. 

Starlink has 451 satellites Direct to Cell in orbit, allowing phones to connect to them and access a broadband connection once the cell service is unavailable. This way, users can have a constant connection in the US.

The company “uses Direct to Cell technology—acting like cellphone towers in space—connecting you almost anywhere you can see the sky,” says the T-Mobile webpage. However, the services offered during the beta are quite limited: text-only messaging through the phone’s native messaging app. In the future, during the paid phase, picture messaging, data services, and voice calling will be included.

Around 500,000 square miles in the US are currently not covered by any wireless company, which, according to T-Mobile, is one of the main advantages offered by this service.

From July onwards, the service will be free in the Go5G Next plan and other plans for $15/month. However, early testers who are not in the free plan will have a $5 monthly discount. On the other hand, Verizon, AT&T, and other customers can get T-Mobile Starlink without switching to T-Mobile for $20/month after the beta ends in July.