T-Mobile Phone Service via Starlink.....press release

Vladimir · January 5

This was in the Wall Street Journal yesterday.

Here is the press release....from last to first in one simple step??? This will get me to switch.

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-takes-coverage-above-and-beyond-with-spacex

this is important:

Text messaging, including SMS, MMS and participating messaging apps, will empower customers to stay connected and share experiences nearly everywhere. Afterwards, the companies plan to pursue the addition of voice and data coverage.

Edited January 5 by Vladimir
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Chalkie · January 5

ArdTechnica provided a few more details in an article. This is going to be tested in several other countries as well as T-Mobile in the US.

Starlink launches first “cellphone towers in space” for use with LTE phones

Darryl&Rita · January 5

Given Starlink's history of unilaterally killing service for their own reasons, I'll never depend on them for service.

Chalkie · January 6

4 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Given Starlink's history of unilaterally killing service for their own reasons, I'll never depend on them for service.

Could you explain this please? Or provide some references?

GeorgiaHybrid · January 6

Or you could do like we have, enable WiFi calling on your Verizon or AT&T phone when you are in a non service area and continue to talk, text and stream on your existing phone.

folivier · January 6

I think the value of this will be for hikers and off-roaders, off grid where you're away from your starlink system.

I'm very interested in this while at our mountain cabin for the summer. Hopefully Samsung will have this also.

Chalkie · January 6

1 hour ago, folivier said:

I think the value of this will be for hikers and off-roaders, off grid where you're away from your starlink system.

I'm very interested in this while at our mountain cabin for the summer. Hopefully Samsung will have this also.

According to that press release it will work with any LTE capable phone. It is not equipment brand specific but it carrier specific.

kb0zke · January 6

"Or you could do like we have, enable WiFi calling on your Verizon or AT&T phone when you are in a non service area and continue to talk, text and stream on your existing phone." What does your WIFI connect to?

Vladimir · January 6

Starlink, I assume.

I got StarLink not for the internet access, but for the wi-fi calling. It works great.

I have a vacation rental in an area with no cell service. By providing wifi calling to my guests on StarLink they have access to their phones and friends.

Most of guests do not use the internet, but they do use their phones a lot for talking to friends and sending them pictures from the home to get their friends jealous!!!

In my case, I spend a lot of time alone in the woods. Having StarLink texting for emergencies would be great and then when I got back to camp I would use the wifi calling and internet features.

GeorgiaHybrid · January 7

3 hours ago, kb0zke said:

"What does your WIFI connect to?

Starlink

Darryl&Rita · January 7

On 1/5/2024 at 5:34 PM, Chalkie said:

Could you explain this please? Or provide some references?

Pick a news story. Ukraine, Middle East, any place that the local infrastructure is under stress, StarLink steps up as an alternative. Once entrenched as the defacto provider, service is provided at their whim. I don't need anything that they provide badly enough to fund their mischief.

folivier · January 7

Don't forget that SpotX and Garmin in reach both provide satellite texting now. I carry my SpotX whenever I leave the cabin just in case.

Chalkie · January 7

3 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Pick a news story. Ukraine, Middle East, any place that the local infrastructure is under stress, StarLink steps up as an alternative. Once entrenched as the defacto provider, service is provided at their whim. I don't need anything that they provide badly enough to fund their mischief.

Yes, Starlink has stepped up in providing internet access to those places initially for free. Eventually, yes, they do then start to charge for it and if it is not paid for (or perhaps officially authorized) then service is discontinued. I don't see that as a whim so much an end to charity. I personally do not see anything wrong with this, but it is your money and your choice.

An interesting comparison might be Comcast or ATT cutting off your service for lack of payment after a free introductory period. There are many things where one sees the offer of free or low cost introductory periods and then the price goes up or the service goes away. Any utility service (internet, cable, phone, electricity, water, etc.) is provided at someone's whim, if you will, but it all boils down to money - no money, no service. What is the acronym? TANSTAAFL

I have had Starlink now for 2 years without any issues. Yes, there have been some modest price increases, but what hasn't gone up in price?

GeorgiaHybrid · January 8

8 hours ago, Chalkie said:

What is the acronym? TANSTAAFL

Good old Robert A Heinlein....

There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

Edit: From the book "The moon is a harsh mistress"

Edited January 8 by GeorgiaHybrid

Chalkie · January 8

1 hour ago, GeorgiaHybrid said:

Good old Robert A Heinlein....

One of my favorite writers, and he did popularize it, but as I learned in a college English course it actually goes back to the 1930's or earlier. The reference comes from the habit of saloons offering a "free lunch" to get patrons to buy overpriced drinks. What they would serve was salty foods to make the patron thirsty, kind of like the really salty bar nuts served today.