(Credit: T-Mobile)
T-Mobile is betting that cheaper access to SpaceX's cellular Starlink service will be enough to entice US mobile customers to dump their current carrier and switch to T-Mobile.
In an email to customers who signed up for the free cellular Starlink beta, T-Mobile offered one year of free satellite service for moving to T-Mobile. "An exclusive offer for beta registrants,” the email says. “Switch to T?Mobile today and you’ll receive a free year of satellite coverage for every line you register in the beta. Up to 12 lines.”
(Credit: T-Mobile)When it launches in July, T-Mobile's cellular Starlink service will be open to rival carriers. It will be free for those on T-Mobile's priciest Go5G Next plan and $15 per month for everyone else. On AT&T and Verizon, however, it'll be $20 per month.
The offer underscores how carriers are trying to leverage satellite connectivity to stand out in today’s market amid a growing rivalry for space-based services. For now, T-Mobile’s cellular Starlink service can only power SMS messages in cellular dead zones. But SpaceX plans to expand the capabilities to voice calls and data downloads, giving customers a convenient way to receive connectivity when traditional cell towers are out of range.
In the meantime, the beta program for the cellular Starlink service is free until July. “Demand is high, and we’re adding thousands of people to the T?Mobile Starlink beta every day,” the carrier said in Tuesday’s email. “We know you’re eager to try our satellite-powered messaging. Rest assured, your place in line is secure.”