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The next frontier in smartphone connectivity is among the stars. We’ve been hearing a bunch about satellite connectivity over the past few years, and this technology is a reality for some people. Well, shortly after getting FTC clearance, T-Mobile is accepting applications for users to use the Starlink Beta.
If you don’t know the utility of satellite connectivity, then you’ve never been in a signal dead zone. Carriers connect to your smartphone through ground-based signal towers. So, if you wander outside that tower’s range, you’re out of luck.
However, if you don’t have access to a tower (maybe you find yourself in the middle of the Mojave Desert), you’d be able to connect to a satellite. They have a much better range and can come in handy in a pinch.
T-Mobile is opening sign-ups for its Starlink beta program
Starlink has been in the news a bunch lately, as it’s the main company pioneering satellite connectivity. It previously connected with a Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it’s been trailblazing ever since.
If you’re a T-Mobile customer, then you might be able to try out this new technology. The company posted a press release where it explained that 500,000 miles² of the U.S. have no access to signals. Most travelers will likely find themselves in one of those areas from time to time.
Because of this, T-Mobile opened registrations for its Starlink beta program. Customers can sign up to test drive this service. There’s something to note; while the average Joe can sign up for the beta program, priority will go to first responders. In any case, if you’re an everyday person who likes to hike, still sign up!
So far, it seems that T-Mobile’s Starlink connectivity has a leg up over the iPhone’s. In case you don’t know, Apple provided satellite connectivity for emergencies a few years ago. The thing about Apple’s connectivity is that you have to hold your phone up to the sky to connect. Either the signal needs a little help or Apple is catering to those people who are nostalgic for 90s and early 2000s cell phones.
In any case, you’ll be able to use your T-Mobile phone just as you would regularly. Not only is it more convenient, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation, raising your phone to the sky may not be a possibility.
At this point, we don’t know if T-Mobile will eventually charge for this functionality down the road. Since it’s just a beta test, you should expect it to be pretty different from when it finally releases to the public.
How to sign up
If you want a chance to join the beta program, you can do so in a few quick steps. Firstly, go to the official T-Mobile Starlink page. There, click on the Register Now button in the middle of the screen. You’ll put in your name, (first and last), email address, and phone number. Click the Submit button when you’re done, and you’ll be on the waitlist!