T-Mobile expands TSatellite with Starlink to support more apps

T-Mobile announced an expansion of its TSatellite service on Tuesday, adding satellite data connectivity for a wider set of smartphone apps and new phone models across the United States. The update, built on a commercial partnership with SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, aims to let users reach selected apps when cellular and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable.

T-Mobile said the service will route data through Starlink’s satellites to deliver tailored, low-bandwidth content for apps that have been optimized for satellite use. Consumer apps now listed as supported include Google Maps, AllTrails, AccuWeather, CalTopo, X, WhatsApp, onX and TLife, alongside native device apps such as Google Messages, Apple Music, Pixel Weather, Apple Weather and Apple Fitness that were already compatible. WhatsApp is enabled for text, voice and video over satellite, while other voice and video calling remain limited. The company also said satellite connectivity will support messaging, location sharing, mapping and text-to-911 features.

T-Mobile said the phone will automatically switch to satellite mode when terrestrial networks are unavailable. The operator cautioned that satellite sessions are...