T-Mobile is linking up with Starlink to vastly increase its cell phone coverage to all parts of the U.S., bringing internet access to isolated areas that have been out of reach of providers up to now.
Next year, the service will be free for T-Mobile customers.
At a special event at the Star base site in Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday night, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert and Musk outlined the plan to expand the carrier's cell phone coverage.
The new initiative, called "Coverage Above and Beyond," will use the more advanced V2 satellites that will be launched next year. T-Mobile would be able to hook up to a new network, beamed down by Starlink's satellites, using T-Mobile's midband spectrum nationwide.
The new service will be available almost anywhere a customer can see the sky, according to Sievert. There will be coverage across the continental U.S., Hawaii, parts of Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Coverage Above and Beyond could one day expand globally through collaboration with carriers.
Half a million square miles of the U.S. is covered by any cellular network, according to the T-Mobile CEO.
It is important for all of us, because we have all driven down that windy country road through the hills and dales and wondered what would happen. Imagine a future where if you have a clear view of the sky you are connected on your mobile phone.
According to Musk, the important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones in the world for cell phones.
T-Mobile's offering will give confidence to those heading into remote areas without satellite phones, in the knowledge that if something goes wrong they'll be able to call for help. The service will work for those who just want to check their texts while they're away.
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