Starlink and T-Mobile Begin Testing Satellite Cellular Service

SpaceX and T-Mobile have reportedly started testing their new Starlink cellular satellite service, known as Starlink Direct-to-Cell. Speculation about the tests began when a Reddit user, u/ommmyyyy, noticed “Satellite” displayed on their iPhone 14’s status bar instead of the usual T-Mobile logo while in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Reddit post sparked debates among users. Some argued the “Satellite” indicator was due to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, available on iPhone 14 and later models. However, other iPhone users quickly dismissed this, noting key differences in how Apple’s system works. According to one user, Apple’s satellite feature has a dedicated icon and requires active user interaction, unlike the automatic change seen in this case.

Others speculated that the service is part of ongoing tests for Starlink Cellular, which will provide cellular connectivity via satellite. “This is definitely Starlink and T-Mobile running tests as more upgraded Starlink satellites are launched,” commented another user.

Supporting this theory, a user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed they successfully sent and received texts while in a moving vehicle using the “Satellite” service, linking it to SpaceX and T-Mobile’s Starlink project.

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert recently revealed in an interview that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell beta program is expected to launch between late 2024 and early 2025. Initially anticipated for fall 2024, the service reportedly needs 300 satellites to cover the U.S., while SpaceX currently has 192 in orbit. SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell announced plans to launch 100 additional missions to boost satellite coverage.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com