T-Mobile’s collaboration with SpaceX to provide satellite-powered direct-to-cell service has left some users disappointed. As part of a beta program, customers have tested this new technology, hoping it would fill connectivity gaps in remote areas. Unfortunately, the user experience has been mixed, to say the least.
One Reddit user, who used the service during a family trip across the Southwestern United States, shared their dissatisfaction. The user found themselves in areas with no cell coverage, making it an excellent opportunity to assess T-Mobile’s Starlink service. However, despite the promise of having 1-2 bars of signal, no SMS or iMessage could be sent over four frustrating days.
They concluded that the service was ineffective. Similarly, other users echoed these concerns. On a recent camping trip, one Redditor noted that the service was inconsistent, occasionally working but often failing to send messages.
Another user described experiencing continuous disconnects while trying to send messages, despite being in clear conditions. Some T-Mobile employees have even reported negative feedback from customers using the beta, stating the service frequently does not work. In stark contrast, Apple’s satellite messaging feature, powered by Globalstar, has reportedly functioned seamlessly for users.
This raises questions about T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX and whether they should consider alternative providers, such as AST SpaceMobile, which is already working with AT&T and Verizon for similar services. As T-Mobile prepares for a public rollout of this service in August, with plans to charge customers, many users are left considering if they should rely on T-Mobile’s offering or stick with Apple’s free satellite messaging solution.