T-Satellite

Use this page to learn more about T-Satellite and how to use it. 

Overview

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What is T-Satellite

T-Satellite is T-Mobile’s satellite-to-mobile service that keeps customers connected when they’re outside traditional cellular coverage.
  • When customers are in a satellite coverage area and have a compatible device, they will be able to send text, picture messaging or use data through T-Satellite instead of traditional cell towers.
  • T-Satellite does not replace regular cellular service, it’s a backup when there’s no signal.
  • Customers can use their phones to message emergency services through T-911.
  • The goal is to keep customers connected in places cell towers can’t reach.
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Two women in a forest clearing lean together to consult a smartphone.

How does it work?

  • SpaceX’s Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites complement the existing T-Mobile network by acting as cell towers in space.
  • The device sends the message to a Starlink satellite orbiting the Earth in lieu of a terrestrial tower.
  • The satellite will then relay the signal to the T-Mobile network which will send the message to its intended recipient.
  • It may take several minutes for the phone to connect via satellite and return to the T-Mobile network. Pending messages don’t indicate a coverage issue.
  • This service uses T-Mobile’s G Block PCS mid-band spectrum, at 1910-1915 MHz (uplink) and 1990-1995 MHz (downlink).
  • This service is in no way related to the 5G spectrum band called C-band.
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Travel South Asia

Additional details

  • Requires an eligible device. Check the device eligibility on T-Mobile.com or T-Life for T-Satellite compatibility.
    • If the new device hasn’t connected to the T-Mobile network, the system still sees the old unsupported device, removes the SOC, and sends a customer notification.
    • Some satellite eligible phones are not supported for T-Mobile Text to 911.
  • Not available for prepaid accounts.
  • Available for Non T-Mobile customers. 
    • The T-Satellite eSIM plan for non-T-Mobile customers does not support device financing or promotions and should not be used to migrate existing T-Mobile customers.
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Resources

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Experience

The icons that appear on a phone connected to T-Mobile Starlink service
T-Satellite phone icons

As of April 30, 2026, customers with T-Satellite can now stay connected while traveling internationally.

Things to know:

  • T-Satellite coverage now works in New Zealand, Canada and Japan.
    • Text to 911 (T-911) is currently unavailable in Japan.
  • Available automatically for customers with a paid T-Satellite feature
  • Includes the full T-Satellite experience while roaming
  • No action required — the benefit is added automatically

Who’s eligible:

  • Customers with any paid T-Satellite feature (including employee plans)
  • Non-T-Mobile customers (e.g., TSATONLY plans)

Who’s not eligible:

  • Unpaid features (e.g., T-Satellite 911 / TSAT911)

As satellite service becomes available, some apps may perform differently than on traditional cellular networks. Apps that are designed for high-latency, low-bandwidth conditions are more likely to deliver the best experience. We’re working with developers to expand support, starting with essentials like maps, weather, and messaging. Check the list below for apps currently optimized for satellite use.

 

Things to Know

  • Satellite networks work differently—performance will likely vary compared to traditional networks and brief service interruptions can happen. This isn’t high speed data, but it’s built for what matters most off grid.
  • Make sure to download and sign in to supported apps before heading into satellite coverage.
  • Keep your phone and app software updated for the best experience.
  • Some app functionality may be different or not available on satellite.
  • If a customer experiences issues with a supported app on T-Satellite, have them submit an InstaBug report through the T-Life app.
  • If you already have T-Satellite, there are no extra charges or sign-up needed—just connect and go! Head on over to our T-Satellite page to learn more about the service!

Current supported apps

  • AccuWeather
  • AllTrails
  • Apple Compass
  • Apple Fitness
  • Apple Maps
  • Apple Messages
  • Apple Music
  • Apple Weather
  • CalTopo
  • Google Maps
  • Messenger
  • Overwatch x Rescue SOS
  • onX Backcountry
  • onX Fish
  • onX Hunt
  • onX Offroad
  • T-Life
  • WhatsApp
  • X
  • Yahoo Mail
  • AccuWeather
  • AllTrails
  • CalTopo
  • Google Find Hub
  • Google Maps
  • Google Messages (with Gemini)
  • Google Personal Safety
  • Messenger
  • Overwatch x Rescue SOS
  • onX Back Country
  • onX Hunt
  • onX Offroad
  • Samsung Health
  • Samsung Weather
  • T-Life
  • WhatsApp
  • X
  • Yahoo Mail
  • Dialpad
  • Multiline
  • 3AM Florian
  • Direct Connect

See T-Satellite for Business for more details.

Network prioritization

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Primary (T-Mobile Network) > Secondary (Roaming Partners) > T-Satellite service > OEM Satellite network

 

  • Wi-Fi isn't prioritized with cellular. Devices connect to Wi-Fi independently; both can work together for features like Wi-Fi calling and backgrounds apps.
  • If T-Mobile is unavailable, the device connects to any roaming partner. Speeds and features vary by network.
  • If T-Mobile and roaming aren't available, the device connects to T-Satellite. This may take several minutes as satellites move; no action is needed, just ensure a clear view of the sky.
  • Newer iPhone, Samsung (Verizon only), and Pixel devices include a satellite client. When no other connection exists, on-screen instructions guide manual connection and alignment for satellite coverage.
  • iPhone satellite icon/SOS is not T-Satellite. It indicates no signal. To use Apple satellite, complete the process in Apple's Connection Assistant.

T-Mobile Text to 911

image of desert sky with woman texting including magenta text

We're now offering T-Mobile Text to 911 via satellite for anyone with an eligible phone that doesn’t already include built-in satellite emergency capabilities. Here’s what you need to know: 

 

All T-Satellite eligible phones, except:

  • Devices with native satellite service that have built in capabilities are not compatible with T-911 messaging. 
  • Non-T-Mobile phones must be unlocked and have an available eSIM to activate the service. 

If you already have T-Satellite, you’re good to go – you can already text 911 via satellite - no additional setup needed!

 

Once activated, your phone will automatically connect to the T-911 network when no other coverage is available. You’ll also receive Wireless Emergency Alerts when broadcasted. T-Mobile Text to 911 (T-911) is currently unavailable while roaming in Japan.

When connectedOn the T-Mobile TXT911 network:
  • The network name on your phone will display "T-Mobile TXT911".  
  • On Android phones, you’ll see a satellite icon.
  • On iPhone 13, you’ll see ”LTE” or "SAT" with iOS 26.2 and later.
  • You can text 911 for emergency services.
  • You can also text 988 and 838255 for mental health support, or 611 for T-Mobile customer care.
  • Outbound messages to other numbers are not supported. 

 

  • T-Mobile members with eligible phones can add the service by visiting "Manage Add Ons" in their account.
  • Non-T-Mobile members with eligible phones can sign up here.  
  1. Confirm the customer has an eligible device for T-911 (see list above).
  2. Complete the activation on the T-911 $0 rate plan, which includes a credit check. Advise the customer that activation requires a credit check and that you can support them through the process.
  3. Ensure the customer completes the eSIM setup by linking their new T-Mobile number to the secondary eSIM on their device.
  4. Verify the customer is aware of their assigned MSISDN.
  5. Advise the customer to download the T-Life app to manage their account.

For non-T-Mobile customers, they will be able to activate this service via a digital path here. Some customers could experience unexpected challenges in the digital activation path. If a non-T-Mobile customer experiences an issue and is unable to complete the activation in the digital activation path, do the following:

  1. Confirm the non-T-Mobile customer was using the correct activation link.
  2. Confirm they are not an existing T-Mobile customers.  If so, then they can add T911 or standard T-Satellite service to their current account.
  3. Confirm the customer is using an eligible device. Devices with native satellite emergency service are not eligible for T-911, but are eligible for full T-Satellite. iPhone 14 and later (all models)

If the above applies and the customer still wants T-911, complete a warm handoff to Virtual Retail.

Important handling

Check out these best practices and how to assist customers through them.

The SOC BLKSATCOV is a systematic SOC that is applied when a customer is on a Go5G or Experience Beyond plan and either has an ineligible phone or switched to a phone that is not T-Satellite compatible.

  • This is an expected action to stop any T-Satellite welcome messages from going to a device that is not eligible to use the service.
  • Customers must have an eligible device to use T-Satellite.
  • After switching back to an eligible device, The BLKSATCOV feature will be systematically removed from their account.
    • Allow for standard provisioning times before T-Satellite service will work.
    • Super Users can remove the BLKSATCOV feature from the customer’s account. However, if the customers device is not yet recognized by the network as eligible, the BLKSATCOV feature will be readded the next day until the device is recognized as eligible by our network.
  • If your customer is attempting to complete a COR (change of responsibility), the BLKSATCOV feature needs to be removed to complete.

Prospect customers (customers who are with another Wireless carrier, but have a T-Satellite only account) may experience issues when calling Care if they enter their current Carrier phone number. In order to get through the IVR with the best experience, they should enter their T-Mobile issued phone number.

  • For prospect customers who set up their account prior to 7/23, they were sent an SMS with their T-Mobile phone number as well as a link to setup their T-Mobile ID.
  • For prospect customers that set their account up on or after 7/23, they will be provided their T-Mobile issues phone number as part of setting up their account.
    • Customers can also check their eSIM settings to find the T-Mobile phone number as the secondary number on their device.
  • Once a customer has reached a Care agent, they will not show as fully verified (because they are calling from a non T-Mobile device).
    • These customers can be sent a one time pin as their second piece of authentication.
    • If the customer has not properly setup their eSIM or their device is carrier locked, they will not receive this OTP for authentication.
      • In this case the customer can manage their account (including cancellation) through the T Life app. See Account Verification.

What’s happening

  • For non-T-Mobile Android devices, lock status cannot be detected or verified during web/prospect and T-911 flows.
    • If the device is locked, they will not be able to use the service.
    • Customers are asked to confirm their device is unlocked, but this is not system-validated.
  • If a device is locked to another carrier, the eSIM will not function on the T-Mobile network.
  • The line can still be activated and billed at $10/month, even if the service cannot be used.

 

Customer handling

If the customer activates on a locked device, guide the customer through one of two resolution paths:

  • Customer will need to work with current carrier to unlock the device.
    • This is the preferred resolution.
    • Once unlocked, the eSIM/service should function as expected.
  • Cancel the line - If unlocking is not possible, Care can cancel the line to prevent ongoing charges for unusable service.