T-Mobile has announced the launch in Beta Public of a Starlink satellite communication functionality, giving users in the United States the opportunity to test this free service until July. However, Starlink connectivity on the iPhone is not seen with good eyes by many users, especially those who are not Elon Musk fans. There are some confusion about this function, and many users erroneously believe that Starlink has been automatically "installed" on all iPhone. Of course, this is not true.
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What is Starlink on the iPhone and how it works?
The function allows compatible iPhone devices to remain connected even in the traditional cellular signal. It is worth mentioning that this is not the Internet service of the Starlink network, but only about the technology that allows to send text messages.
“T-Mobile Starlink uses specially configured satellites, equipped with direct-to-cel technology, which orbits at over 320 km altitude and moves with over 27,000 km/h. They transmit mobile signal-for now only for text messages, following as messages with images, data and vocal calls to be available later-to the locations (The so-called dead signal areas). "
Is not a direct partnership between Apple and Starlink
Unlike what circulates on social networks, Apple has made no direct understanding with Starink. In fact, T-Mobile uses its 1900MHz frequency band (Band 25) to provide this additional coating through Starlink, and the iPhone are compatible with this tape. Basically, there is nothing special in iOS 18.3 related to Starlink, apart from the support for the latest version of the T-Mobile network.
In addition, users who do not want to use this feature, there is an option to disable inSetări > Rețea celulară > Operator > Dezactivare satelit.
Who can benefit from Starlink through T-Mobile?
This beta program that allows Starlink service activation on iPhone is available for users with a subscription plan Go5G Next(including Go5g Next 55+ subscription variants) as well as for business customers who useGo5G Business Next. Those who enroll in the test period will be able to benefit from a reduction of$ 10/month per line, which means an economy of 33% compared to the whole price. However, in order to take advantage of this offer, the registration must be made by the end of February.
Currently, Starlink connectivity on the iPhone via T-Mobile is only limited to sending text messages when the user is outside the T-Mobile network coverage area. It is expected that in the future, the service can be expanded to include mobile data, but for now, Starlink is not a mobile operator, which is why this partnership with T-Mobile was required.
Update to iOS 18.3 does not automatically install Starlink on iPhone
There are quite a lot of users who hesitate to update at iOS 18.3 fear that it will automatically activate Starlink on their iPhone. This is not true. If you count yourself among these users, you need to know that it is important to keep the phone updated to benefit from the latest security improvements and errors. Apple recently launched an update of iOS 18.3 which solves a major security problem. The iPhones are capable of using Starlink as a Internet provider, like Spectrum or Xfinity, but that does not mean that each device is connected to Starink by default.
By introducing satellite connectivity, T-Mobile gives users an effective solution to remain connected in critical situations, allowing emergency calls when the classic network is not available. This new option brings a significant advantage in case of natural disasters or other unforeseen situations.
