There's no need to have a phone with satellite connectivity to use the Starlink beta. T-Mobile has confirmed that the service works on many smartphones released in the past four years, so most Samsung Galaxy phones that came out during this period will work. It's already known that the Galaxy S21 Ultra was used to test the Starlink service.
Most recent Samsung Galaxy phones are compatible
The T-Mobile Starlink service relies on the latter's satellite network to provide cell coverage across 500,000 square miles in the United States where coverage is not available through conventional cell towers.
Samsung Galaxy phone owners in the United States can sign up for the beta through T-Mobile's website. They can be on Verizon or AT&T as well since T-Mobile is no longer restricting the service to its subscribers only.
When connected to the Starlink service, users will be able to send and receive text messages for free. Group texts and reactions are supported as well. Sending photos, making voice calls, and using data is not currently supported but will be in the near future.
This service is being offered on a trial basis until July 2025. Once the free trial ends, Verizon and AT&T customers will be able to use it for $20 per month. T-Mobile subscribers on its Go5G Next plan will continue to have free access to the service, while those on other plans will be able to add it for $15 per month.
Users don't need to adjust any settings manually. Their phone will automatically connect to the T-Mobile Starlink network when it's beyond the range of a cell tower. Naturally, this service is only useful for those who often find themselves in remote places where coverage can be a challenge. It will be of little use for people who spend most of their time in major cities or towns where cell coverage is plentiful.
