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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service now offers app connectivity.
- Apps include WhatsApp, X, Google Maps, AccuWeather, and more.
- The service is included on some plans, costs $10 a month on others.
T-Mobile’s Starlink-powered satellite service is getting a major upgrade with the addition of popular apps.
Earlier this year, T-Mobile introduced a satellite connectivity option that lets you send and receive messages if you aren’t within reach of a cell tower. The service expanded to allow photos, audio, and video a few months ago, and now it’s expanding to include some critical apps.
Also: You can snag T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service on any carrier – how to get it for free
In an announcement this week, the company said T-Satellite customers can now access essential off-the-grid apps. Most of the apps are geared toward outdoor adventures like hiking, but a few provide potentially life-saving connectivity.
Which apps work with T-Satellite?
Here’s what apps are now available with T-Satellite:
- WhatsApp: In addition to traditional texting and calling, you can now send messages, voice notes, and photos, or make calls to contacts through WhatsApp. “You can still see faces, hear voices, and share updates securely,” T-Mobile says, even if you’re in an area without cell service. T-Mobile added that if you’re in an emergency situation, it’s still best to use text-to-911 through traditional means.
- X: Want to stay informed while on the go in remote locations? You can now scroll trending topics, share updates, and join conversations on X from anywhere. You can post text, photos, GIFs, or videos, and you even have an option to control when high-resolution media loads so you don’t waste data.
- T-Life: The main hub for your T-Mobile customer service needs is available as well. You can see and launch satellite-ready apps, share your location via SMS, and even chat live with a built-in helper.
- AllTrails: One of the most popular outdoor exploration apps, AllTrails helps you find your next hike, whether it’s a walk in the park or a mountain summit. You can see navigation and share your location in real time on more than 500,000 trails around the world.
- AccuWeather: This app lets you see hyperlocal forecasts down to the minute, including real-time storm alerts. You can track severe weather better, see the UV index, and monitor air quality.
- CalTopo: With CalTopo, you can build custom maps for your next hike, ski trip, or climb. The app lets you plot your route, track your location in real time, and stay safe with features like slope angle shading and wildfire activity layers.
- onX: onX’s suite of apps, including onX Backcountry, onX Hunt, onX Offroad, and onX Fish, let you find hiking trails, powder stashes, campsites, public and private property boundaries, two-track and single-track routes, and lakes to fish. It also has real-time weather conditions, weather forecasts, and animal movement predictions.
- Google Maps: Google Maps lets you see maps and aerial photography, get real-time GPS navigation for foot, car, or bike, and more. If you’re ever lost and you’re not in range of a cell tower, you can now use Google Maps to get back on track.
How to get T-Satellite
T-Satellite is available for free on the company’s Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans.
Also: T-Mobile will give you 4 free iPhone 16 phones right now – here’s how to get yours
If you don’t have one of those plans, you can add the service for $10 a month. The service is available on a number of devices, including the iPhone 13 and above, the Google Pixel 9 and above (including the a series), almost all 2024 and 2025 phones from Motorola, almost all Samsung phones since 2023, and the T-Mobile REVVL 7 and 8.
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