Starlink Direct to Cell & T-Satellite Guide [2026]

Mobile dead zones are quickly becoming a thing of the past thanks to innovations of direct-to-device satellite coverage, currently being spearheaded by Starlink. Since the commercial launch of T-Satellite in July 2025, the partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX has transitioned from a high-tech experiment into a valuable feature for those who venture off the beaten path.

But the story doesn't stop with T-Mobile. Starlink’s "Direct to Cell" ambitions are scaling at a pace that could change mobile technology as we know it. With recent FCC approval for thousands of new, higher-powered satellites and a growing list of international carrier partners, SpaceX is setting up a global network for both broadband internet and mobile connectivity. Recent trademark filings for "Starlink Mobile" suggest that the company may soon move beyond partnerships to launch its own independent mobile service.

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellites are designed to act like orbiting cell towers, connecting to phones on the ground as long as there’s a clear view of the sky. It’s not currently a standalone carrier but supplements the networks it partners with. It’s an excellent tool for serious backpackers, mountaineers, first responders, and others who spend a lot of time outside of cell range. 

It currently supports text messaging, location sharing, and a list of select apps, typically ones related to navigation and emergencies. Native voice calls are still in development, but it's possible to make voice and video calls through WhatsApp, which is supported.

T-Satellite is included for T-Mobile customers on the Experience Beyond. For other customers, it will be an add-on feature that costs $10 per month. This also includes customers on rival carriers such as Verizon and AT&T. They just need to have a compatible phone with an open eSIM slot.

All T-Mobile customers can use T-Satellite to make free emergency text messages to 911, regardless of their plan. Customers of AT&T and Verizon can also enroll for this free service.

If you’re on Experience Beyond, then there’s nothing to do but enjoy T-Satellite since it’s automatically included. For customers on other T-Mobile plans, you can enable T-Satellite from your account in the “Manage Add-ons” page, and it will be added to your monthly plan. It can also be canceled at any time on the same page, making it a convenient feature if you need it temporarily for a long weekend adventure. 

In a surprising move, customers of non-T-Mobile carriers can use the service, provided they have a compatible phone with an open eSIM slot and that it’s unlocked. To get started, you will need to call T-Mobile at 1-855-596-0755 or visit a retail store.

An unlocked phone means you can use the device with any carrier. Typically, phones bought directly from a carrier start locked, to keep them exclusive to their network. After a specified amount of time, you can request that the carrier unlock the phone. The exclusivity time depends on the carrier. 

When T-Satellite is activated on your account, it will automatically connect to the Starlink network when you find yourself outside your network. Currently, there is no way to switch to satellite coverage manually when network availability is present, likely to conserve bandwidth for users who really need it.  

When you leave your network’s coverage, you’ll receive a text notification informing you that you’re connected to Starlink. You’ll know you’re on satellite when you see the satellite symbol next to your network strength on the top right corner of the screen. 

T-Satellite is more than just a way to stay in contact with loved ones; it could be a vital lifeline in emergencies, such as providing hikers with the ability to contact 911 if they are injured or lost. 

Initially, text messaging and location sharing were available at launch, but they have since expanded to include essential apps. These apps include: WhatsApp (including voice/video messages), Google Maps, AllTrails, AccuWeather, X, and T-Mobile’s T-Life app.

The service plans to add voice and data capabilities in late 2025. There is less information about this stage, but the idea is that users won’t need to activate it—their phones will just work as usual, recognizing Starlink satellites like cell towers. However, the performance might not be quite as good as that of LTE in areas covered by traditional cell towers. 

Starlink Direct to Cell is said to work with most modern phones that support LTE, regardless of manufacturer or brand—though only a handful of phones are currently compatible. About 60 phone models are currently compatible. Most of the latest Motorola, Samsung, and iPhone models are compatible.

T-Satellite compatibility is currently limited to this list. However, Starlink and T-Mobile claim that older phone models are compatible with the service and that they're working with phone manufacturers to optimize them for satellite connectivity.

As of January 2026, Starlink has launched more than 650 DTC satellites, sufficient to provide text services anywhere the customer is. However, Starlink is continually expanding its constellation to provide increased coverage and bandwidth. 

Starlink has received FCC approval to expand its satellite fleet by 7,500, bringing its total constellation to more than 15,000. Along with purchasing additional spectrum licenses from competitors and receiving approval to operate at higher power levels, Starlink hopes to expand its direct-to-device capabilities to include full voice and data, making it indistinguishable from traditional 5G.

Another upcoming feature is the ability to connect with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Starlink highlights business use cases, such as connecting devices and machines for agricultural, transportation, and maritime applications where no terrestrial signal is available.

T-Mobile will exclusively have Direct to Cell features for one year after partnering with Starlink. So, while the service will likely work with most phones, you’ll need to be a T-Mobile customer. It’s unknown if MVNO carriers like Mint Mobile, which uses T-Mobile’s network, will have access to Direct to Cell. 

Starlink also has a growing list of international partner carriers, including Rogers in Canada, KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, and many more. 

After T-Mobile’s exclusivity window, Starlink could partner with other U.S. carriers like Verizon or AT&T. Still, it’s unknown if that’s likely to happen due to those carriers’ partnership with rival satellite company AST SpaceMobile.

Though no official plans have been announced by Starlink, recent moves hint at ambitions for a standalone service. In fall 2025, SpaceX filed for an official trademark on "Starlink Mobile." Furthermore, it recently acquired spectrum licences previously owned by the Boost Mobile operator EchoStar.  

Starlink's satellite internet coverage extends worldwide, so there are few places you won't be able to access it with the Standard kit, which is widely available in the U.S. Starlink kits are $349. Residential service is $120 per month. With this equipment, you can connect your phone to the internet via Wi-Fi, regardless of your location.

Additionally, as long as you have a reliable, mobile power source, you can take Starlink with you on your travels with its Roam plans.