In a surprising move, Elon Musk has taken a step forward in the field of connectivity. Through his company Starlink, in collaboration with T-Mobile, he has launched a free satellite internet service that will be available to smartphone users across the United States. This offer, available until July, promises to change the way people connect, especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
How does Starlink's free internet work?
The service, which is in its beta phase, offers internet access without the need for conventional signal towers. Thanks to Starlink's satellite connectivity, users will be able to send text messages directly from their mobile phones, even if they are in areas with no cellular coverage. The only condition is that the devices must be compatible and in areas with direct visibility to the sky.
Starlink and T-Mobile offer free internet in rural and remote areas | en.elcierredigital.com, T-Mobile, Vkstudio
To access the service, users must have a modern cell phone that meets certain requirements. The good news is that no additional equipment or major changes are needed. It only requires being registered in T-Mobile's trial program and having a phone with eSIM support, the technology that allows the configuration of this satellite network.
What devices are compatible?
Starlink's service, for now limited to text messages, is available for a variety of devices. Compatible phones include:
iPhone 14 and later models
Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer versions
Android and iOS devices with satellite connection support
Additionally, the use of eSIM is essential to set up the connection. This technological advancement allows users to activate connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card, simplifying the process.
Coverage areas and service conditions
Starlink's free internet will be primarily available in areas with good sky visibility, which includes rural, mountainous areas and places where traditional telecommunications networks do not reach. This service aims to ensure that those in remote locations can communicate without relying on conventional infrastructure.
Users will need to register in T-Mobile's open trial phase to access the service. Although it is not necessary to be a T-Mobile customer, those with the Go5G Next plan will enjoy free access even after the beta phase has ended. Other T-Mobile users will need to pay $15 per month to continue using the service, while those with other carriers can access it for $20 monthly.
The new Starlink service only requires a compatible cellphone and prior registration | Grok
Although only text messages can be sent in this phase, Elon Musk and T-Mobile are working on expanding the satellite network's capabilities. In the future, video functions and other multimedia content are expected to be enabled.
A step toward global connectivity
With this new offer, Musk and T-Mobile are taking a big step in expanding global connectivity. This type of satellite technology could change the way we use our phones, especially in places that have traditionally been disconnected.
Starlink's approach, by integrating satellite connectivity into smartphones, offers an innovative solution for those who have always been limited by lack of coverage. This not only represents an advancement for technology but also a new way of thinking about how we should approach connectivity.
