T-Mobile has launched the T-Satellite service, which enables iPhone 13 and newer models, along with most Android phones, to send and receive text messages using satellite technology when outside regular cellular networks.

Subscribers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan can access this service at no additional cost, while users from other carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, can subscribe for a fee of $10 per month.

Apple's upcoming iOS update, version 18.5, will introduce a satellite connectivity feature specifically for iPhone 13 users, set to launch on July 23, 2025.

This new service distinguishes itself from the satellite capabilities of the iPhone 14 and later models, which utilize Globalstar, by employing Starlink satellites and requiring no additional hardware installation on the devices.

Looking ahead, the T-Satellite service plans to expand its offerings to include multimedia messaging and 911 texting via satellite for all mobile users with compatible devices, regardless of their carrier.

Currently in beta testing, the T-Satellite service boasts over 1.8 million users, including tens of thousands from competing networks like Verizon and AT&T.