Apple iPhones can now text with Starlink and T-Mobile !

[Happyflowerlady]

Apple has now started a new program where people with an iPhone who use T-Mobile can test out the new beta program to use Starlink to connect their phone if they are out of range of cell service.
At home, my phone connects with WiFi, otherwise, it connects with cell towers . However, if we had a disaster here, like a bad tornado, or something that damaged the cell towers, then the phone could find and connect to a Starlink satellite and I could send a message to my family to let them know I am okay, or to emergency services if I am not okay and need help.

Starlink said that right now, this service only works for messaging, but eventually, it will work for regular calling, too. If you want to sign up for the trial, you need an iPhone on 18.3 iOS, and go to T-Mobile and sign up.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I registered today

 

[hollydolly]

thanks for that Yvonne... I think that we can't get it yet in the uk...


Starlink’s services are currently restricted to the US, while Apple’s Globalstar offering operates in multiple countries including the UK, Ireland and Canada. However, SpaceX is looking to expand its satellite connectivity to other carriers worldwide, Bloomberg reported.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I read that it is only available on iPhone 14 or higher.

 

[Happyflowerlady]

thanks for that Yvonne... I think that we can't get it yet in the uk...
Starlink’s services are currently restricted to the US, while Apple’s Globalstar offering operates in multiple countries including the UK, Ireland and Canada. However, SpaceX is looking to expand its satellite connectivity to other carriers worldwide, Bloomberg reported.

That is interesting, @hollydolly, since people in most countries can have an iPhone, and i know that Elon Musk has sent Starlink boxes to many places when there were disasters and no way for people to contact anyone because cell and phone lines were down. The direct from phone to satellite is pretty new, but I think that is where the future of phones is eventually headed. Right now, we have so many cell towers, that phones will probably still connect that way, but Starlink has a lot of statellites up, so we won’t always need the cell towers.
It is probably a regulatory reason why the Starlink to cell is not available anywhere except in the US right now.