AT&T and Verizon Confirm What Was an Open Secret: T-Mobile Hands It to Them on a Silver Platter

AT&T and Verizon have confirmed what many users already suspected. T-Mobile has provided them with a new advantage that will allow them to have coverage in areas where the signal previously didn't reach. This announcement has made headlines thanks to the introduction of a free satellite service for smartphones,

Although it will initially be an exclusive benefit for T-Mobile users, it can also be used by AT&T and Verizon customers. It will be possible thanks to the collaboration with the satellite provider Starlink. It arises with the goal of improving coverage in areas where traditional phone service doesn't reach.

The service will be accessible to almost all mobile phone users in the United States who have a phone no older than 4 years. This way, T-Mobile expands its offer not only to its customers but also to those of other operators.

How Will T-Mobile's Satellite Service Work?

The company announced that this service will be launched in a beta phase. It will offer selected users free access to basic text messaging services, location sharing. But also the ability to send emergency messages to 911.

This benefit will be available in the most remote areas of the country, those where conventional cellular signal doesn't reach. If you manage to be selected for the beta test, you will be able to enjoy these free services until June. Starting in July, the service will be commercialized at a monthly cost.

T-Mobile customers will pay a fee of $15 per month, while AT&T and Verizon users will have to pay $20 per month. However, T-Mobile users who registered for the beta in February will enjoy an additional discount, paying only $10 per month.

The most attractive aspect of this new service is that AT&T and Verizon users won't need to change their current cellular plans. T-Mobile's service will integrate into these operators' networks. It will only activate when users are outside the coverage of their usual network.

What Services Will This New System Offer?

For now, T-Mobile's satellite service will be limited to basic functions. Whether it's sending text messages, location, and emergencies. However, work is underway to include more features in the future.

Among other things, the possibility of making voice calls, sending messages with images, and using certain low-bandwidth applications. However, high data consumption services, such as video streaming on platforms, are not expected to be available in the short term.

This advancement by T-Mobile highlights the growing competition in the mobile phone market in the United States. Especially with the participation of giants like AT&T and Verizon. Although the other operators will have to pay a higher fee for this service, the fact that they can benefit from it reinforces the value of T-Mobile's initiative.