T-Mobile brings satellite service to third-party apps on Samsung phones

In July, T-Mobile introduced T-Satellite, its direct satellite-to-phone connectivity service, in the USA. It is compatible with over 40 Samsung phone models. Initially, this feature only allowed calls and messages to be made via satellite connectivity. The carrier is now expanding T-Satellite to support select third-party apps.

T-Mobile's satellite connectivity now supports Google Maps, WhatsApp, and X

T-Mobile has announced the expansion of its Starlink-powered satellite-to-phone service to select popular apps in the USA. Now, if you’re subscribed to T-Satellite and have a compatible phone, you can use AccuWeather, AllTrails, CalTopo, Google Maps, OnX, WhatsApp, and X, even in areas without conventional cellular connectivity. T-Mobile’s customer service app, T-Life, is also supported.

On WhatsApp, you can use satellite connectivity to send and receive images, messages, and voice notes. Calls (audio and video) and group chats are allowed as well. On X, you can use explore feeds and post GIFs, photos, text, and videos. It already supports native apps on Samsung phones like Google Messages, Phone, and Weather.

The T-Satellite service is free for most T-Mobile subscribers. Those who do not have T-Satellite service in their plan can opt for it for $10 per month. The carrier is currently trying to limit satellite connectivity to apps that provide critical content rather than opening it up for data-heavy experiences.

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

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First Samsung device: T100

Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S23 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.

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