The CEO of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert, recently discussed the collaboration between T-Mobile and SpaceX in an interview with Jim Cramer, the economic host on CNBC. The partnership aims to provide T-Mobile customers with communication through SpaceX’s new Starlink satellite constellation in areas with no cellular signal. However, the timeline for this plan has been delayed from the original announcement, now set for testing in late 2023.
Sievert mentioned that T-Mobile is preparing to launch a direct-satellite-to-cellular Beta service, expected to begin by late 2024 or early 2025. The delay is due to SpaceX’s challenges in deploying satellites as initially planned. The company had announced the need to launch 300 satellites for the Direct to Cell signal before offering services to customers in the United States. Currently, approximately 200 satellites have been launched, with more launches ongoing. Both companies are also awaiting approval from regulatory bodies like the FCC.
Initially, mobile users will only be able to send SMS messages via satellite. In the following phases, satellite services will support voice and data communication. According to SpaceX’s website, full service capabilities are expected by 2025.
TLDR: T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert discussed the delayed collaboration with SpaceX, leading to a postponed timeline for satellite services, while SpaceX works to overcome deployment challenges.
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