SpaceX and T-Mobile are joining forces in an attempt to ditch mobile dead zones on 5G phones, beginning this 2023, by using the satellite internet of Starlink.
The partnership between the giant carrier and the Elon Musk-led space firm should allow 5G phone users to experience satellite internet straight from their mobile devices.
SpaceX, T-Mobile Set to Connect 5G Phones to Starlink Satellite Internet
As per a news report by CNBC, the Chief Executive Officer of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert, and "Chief Engineer" of SpaceX, Elon Musk, revealed that their giant firms are looking to "end mobile dead zones."
And starting next year, T-Mobile and SpaceX are set to start the beta service as Starlink debuts its second-generation satellites by next year or in 2023.
The two tech firms held a joint event at the SpaceX facilities in Texas, which T-Mobile CEO and the mega-billionaire entrepreneur, Musk, hosted.
The partnership essentially benefits the customers of T-Mobile, allowing them to link their mobile devices to Starlink's satellite internet.
Starlink Satellite Internet on Phones?
The SpaceX founder and CEO said that the new iteration of Starlink "will transmit [directly] to mobile phones." He touts that it should help "[eliminate] dead zones worldwide."
Meanwhile, the big boss of T-Mobile announced during the joint event with SpaceX at Boca Chica, Texas, that it would be providing a "slice of its mid-band spectrum," which would work hand-in-hand with the satellites of Starlink.
It should allow users of T-Mobile to text and send multimedia messaging services (MMS) even if there are no mobile services in their area, according to a recent story by The Verge.
Not to mention that Sievert also noted that it works with "select messaging apps."
However, the chief executive failed to specify which services are part of it once it debuts. He explains that messaging firms would have to be in talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile to be part of the upcoming service.
But on top of that, Musk goes on to add that less dense locations could potentially allow T-Mobile users to send "a little bit of video" using the satellite connection of Starlink.
What's more, Sievert further adds that they plan to also include voice services in the future.
T-Mobile Customers Are Likely Getting it on Their Current Plans
The CEO of the giant carrier reveals that they plan to include the new satellite internet service in its "most popular plans." However, he did not specify which plans are likely for the upcoming service.
The big boss of T-Mobile assured its customers that the new service would work on their current smartphones and would no longer need to purchase anything to enjoy Starlink's satellite internet.
