Month: February 2025

Satellite over Earth

T-Mobile Starlink Beta Update: Thousands Being Added Daily

Christian

I’m on the waitlist for T-Mobile’s Starlink beta program and just received a status update email. For those interested, I’ve reproduced the relevant portion below.

An update on the T‑Mobile Starlink beta

Demand is high, and we’re adding thousands of people to T‑Mobile Starlink beta every day. We know you’re eager to try out satellite-powered messaging. Rest assured your place in line is secure and right now there’s nothing you need to do. When you are ready to be admitted to the beta, we’ll reach out with more information and additional steps!

Once you’re in the beta, here’s what to expect

  • The first time you enter satellite coverage you will receive a text confirmation.
  • From then on, whenever you are out of reach from your land-based tower signals, your phone will automatically connect to T‑Mobile Starlink. It just works!
  • You’ll be able to send and receive messages and share your location. That’s just the start. Up next after launch—share photos, use data, and more.
Abstract image of phone and fancy technology

US Mobile’s Endgame

Christian

Today, US Mobile launched a major update to its Unlimited Premium plan running over AT&T’s network (or as US Mobile calls it, the Darkstar Network).

Image listing features of US Mobile's new plan

See plan on US Mobile’s website

The plan was already feature-rich before this update, but two new features stand out:

  • Unlimited High-Priority Data
  • Unlimited Hotspot Data

Both of these are rare on a plan offered by an MVNO. I’m especially surprised to see the unlimited hotspot data. The plan is priced so aggressively that I wouldn’t be surprised if US Mobile eventually limits hotspot access. For the moment, it’s a screaming deal for regular users of hotspot data.

More about the plan can be found on US Mobile’s website & in an announcement shared to Reddit. The plan costs $44 per month or the equivalent of $32.50 per month when a year of service is purchased upfront (new customers can use the code ‘ENDGAME’ to knock that down to $29/mo for the first year).

Reflections

Overall, it appears US Mobile is trying to offer a plan with a price tag typical for MVNOs while offering premium features and avoiding the catches and limitations typically seen on MVNOs’ plans.

With the updated plan, US Mobile is delivering incredible value, but its aspirations are hampered on iOS. Some features people are used to on iPhones aren’t fully supported on the Darkstar network, potentially leading to limitations with stuff like group messages.

In a Reddit comment, US Mobile’s CEO hinted at upcoming improvements:
Screenshot of a Reddit comment from US Mobile's CEO