Who has T-Mobile?

I just read about the new iPhones Apple announced, and one interesting thing is that if you lose a signal from a cell tower while on your T-Mobile plan, you can sign up for a satellite back up that uses Starlink. That might come in handy out in the woods or out boating. It’s $10/month.

I do. I did not know of this. Thanks.

iPhone 15 (I think) and up already has Emergency SOS via Satellite mode that allows you to send messages and your location to emergency services. But no phone calls. I guess the new update includes a consumer plan, which is cool.

There were many people that were able to use this to get rescued in the Asheville flooding last year

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Interesting. I wonder how that compares to a Satellite phone.

It’s pretty amazing technology to think your phone can send an RF signal to satellite in the sky that’s 200-300 miles away. Was watching a few videos on this and it’s available on android phones too. The things have data limitations of course and
you can find some videos of a guy on mountain (8,000ft) in Montana and can’t get a signal at all or in Wyoming. Maybe some kinks, but still pretty interesting technology.
;

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I mean… at that point it is a sat phone! :slight_smile:

You’re not wrong.

Yeah i was beta testing it and i didn’t notice a difference. But also i didnt go anywhere in the states where its rural.

10 dollars ontop for only using it in the states i have to think about it alot but i dont doubt it’s useful to some. I was just in japan and had bad cell service so I thought it might help but its only within the U.S

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Sort of…but not fully.

Starlink – A Unique System for Satellite-Based Internet

While satellite phones are built for voice calls and basic data, Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, operates on an entirely different principle. Rather than voice communication, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet access through a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

  • Internet-Based Backup: Starlink enables internet connectivity in rural or disconnected areas, supporting video conferencing, internet browsing, and digital communication. This setup is highly valuable for public safety teams who may need data access in remote regions.
  • Public Safety Communication: Starlink is increasingly being viewed as a public safety tool, especially useful for emergency response teams needing fast internet access for real-time data during crises.
  • Completely Different System: While satellite phones connect for voice communication with dedicated phone numbers, Starlink users focus solely on WiFi calling over internet access, making it a complementary service rather than a replacement.
  • Recent major Starlink deployments both overseas and in the USA have shown overall Quality of Service (QOS) degradation mostly effecting Video and WiFi- Voice traffic due to overcapacity issues with deployments in Ukraine and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, leading to conversations to separate Commercial Customers from residential and recreational users.

Be interesting to see if the limitations are resolved over time.

Would it work when flying so I don’t have to pay SWA 8-9 bucks during a single friggin flight?

Southwest recently announced free wifi for Rapid Rewards members I think. Coincidentally sponsored by T-Mobile.

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Interesting…because I fly SWA a lot and have T-mobile.

I have Boost. When we lose a signal it drops to repeater on the back of a tow truck in the fifth ward. Love it.

Hey Verizon! Are you reading this?

It works and is free if have one of their top 2 plans.

Here’s a great story of how the satellite link works to help you. Of course you have to have your phone with you. Why did that woman go hiking without her phone?

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Could be she simply left it in the car or inadvertently left it out of hiking gear pack. But yeah, if hiking in true wilderness area, the phone is the item you pack with the water. Probably should be item one. Satellite texting was very useful here.

More use of the Starlink system for TMobile.