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T‑Mobile is doubling down on its “Un‑carrier” reputation, securing its position as the best mobile network in the U.S, according to Ookla Speedtest, while leaving competitors scrambling to catch up. The company, which recently earned top marks from Ookla and Opensignal for fastest speeds, best 5G performance and network consistency, is expanding its lead with the official launch of T‑Satellite with Starlink last month, a first-of-its-kind integration of satellite and cellular connectivity.
Launched on July 23 after a successful beta period, T‑Satellite connects over 650 Starlink low‑orbit satellites directly to compatible smartphones, allowing users to stay connected in areas where cell towers don’t reach. The service requires no additional apps, equipment or setup — phones automatically switch to satellite when coverage drops, providing the ability to send and receive texts, share locations and even message 911 from previously unreachable dead zones. Picture and voice messaging will be supported for Android devices starting Oct. 1, with iOS integration and low-speed satellite data access for essential apps like maps and weather to follow.
The service works with more than 60 devices released over the past four years, spanning both Android and iOS, and is included at no extra cost for T‑Mobile customers on its premium Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans. Other T‑Mobile subscribers can add the feature for $10/month during this limited-time promotion, and non‑customers can try it with a 30‑day free trial or as a standalone $10/month plan T-Mobile now offers satellite powered connectivity in more than 500,000 square miles of land without coverage by leveraging Starlink’s low-orbit satellites. T-Satellite is available in the continental US, Hawaii and Southern Alaska.
T‑Mobile’s bold foray into satellite service underscores its broader dominance in the wireless market. Independent network testing from Ookla for Q1 2025 and Q2 2025 named the company the fastest and most consistent mobile provider in the U.S., citing its superior median download speeds and best‑in‑class 5G coverage. Ultra Capacity 5G now reaches more Americans than any other carrier, making T‑Mobile the top choice for video streaming, gaming and day‑to‑day connectivity. By comparison, Verizon and AT&T have leaned on piecemeal solutions — Verizon with a limited satellite texting feature and AT&T still testing satellite integration.
As the only provider to fully integrate satellite and land‑based networks into a single seamless experience, T‑Mobile has positioned itself as the wireless leader for both urban users and those venturing far off the grid. With satellite messaging now live, essential app access on the horizon and broader global roaming expected to expand over time, the company is setting a new standard for mobile connectivity.
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