For now, T-Mobile restricts the beta for SpaceX's direct-to-cell Starlink system to Samsung S24 phones and two Galaxy foldable models.

T-Mobile and SpaceX have been working on bringing Starlink satellite connectivity to customers for a while, and it’s flipping on the feature early to help.

T-Mobile debuts its Cellular Starlink Beta program, exclusively compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices. Discover how this groundbreaking technology promises to revolutionize mobile connectivity.

Several users who signed up for the T-Mobile satellite messaging service beta have reported that the feature has been activated on their devices. The carrier opened registration for a direct-to-cell satellite service beta test with Starlink in December.

Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products at T-Mobile, said: “T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the US that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage.

Telstra has reached an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to test a Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch. The telco noted that its mobile network in the country covers 99.

Telstra’s new partnership with SpaceX-owned Starlink will soon let mobile customers text from areas of Australia where there is no mobile coverage — although travellers to remote islands and distant territories are out of luck, despite Starlink’s satellites covering them.

T-Mobile has reportedly started activating satellite network connectivity and messaging for some Samsung Galaxy users who signed up for the beta.