Updated July 9 with more details of the service and how to access it, plus how the service has now gone live for those affected by floods in Texas.

The latest iPhone software update, iOS 18.5, brought with it a surprise new feature for iPhone 13 users: access to a particular kind of satellite connectivity. The service that will first connect to it, T-Satellite from T-Mobile, goes live on Wednesday, July 23 — though T-Mobile has just announced that it has enabled the service early for those customers impacted by the Texas floods (more on that below). Here’s all you need to know.

First off, this service is available to most Android phones and all iPhones from the iPhone 13 onwards. It’s not the same as the satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 and later, which uses Globalstar — that depends on hardware the iPhone 13 doesn’t have.

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This service is what’s called carrier-supported satellite connectivity, and the only carrier supporting this right now is T-Mobile (though other networks will follow). It uses Starlink satellites, though, unlike many reports earlier in the year, it emphatically does not install Starlink on your phone.

It means that if you are outside the regular cellular network, your phone can stay connected via satellite, for text messages on iPhones. More services will be added and when the service goes live, other features will be available to Android users, including multimedia messaging, picture messaging, and short audio clips.

This kind of satellite connection has been called a “game-changer” because you don’t have to point the phone at the sky for the satellite to see the phone. It can stay in your pocket, even.

The T-Satellite service is in beta testing but from July 23 will be accessible to any mobile phone user with a suitable device, including AT&T and Verizon subscribers.

“T-Mobile says its goal is to "eliminate mobile dead zones for good" by way of 657 Starlink satellites that'll be used exclusively for cellphone service,” as Cnet reported.

The partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink “will allow direct-to-cell SMS messaging accessibility in areas where there is no cellular coverage. Starlink has more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the sky, and now, 657 of them will be devoted entirely to T-Satellite. The goal is to expand coverage into the 500,000 square miles of the US that traditional cell towers can’t reach,” Cnet added.

“T-Mobile will also provide Starlink subscribers with 911 texting via satellite. Later in the year, that capability will expand to any mobile user with a compatible device, even customers on other carriers and those who don’t subscribe to Starlink,” as ZDNET explained.

As T-Mobile put it, “"any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service,” will have access to the emergency texting. The beta service has seen more than 1.8 million users, with “tens of thousands of customers from Verizon and AT&T,” T-Mobile said.

Availability has just changed for one group: those customers impacted by the floods in central Texas. T-Mobile announced that it has made the service available now to those users: they won’t have to wait until July 23.

“Yesterday, we enabled T-Satellite with Starlink for T-Mobile customers to use text-to-911 and basic text messaging. T-Satellite also broadcasts wireless emergency alerts to compatible devices in the area,” the company said.

“Customers can now use the T-Satellite service for text-to-911, basic text messaging and to receive local wireless emergency alerts (with compatible devices),” Light Reading reported.

T-Mobile has also made free Wi-Fi and device charging available in certain locations near to the floods. Other networks have also provided services such as mobile assets, but only T-Mobile is in a position to offer this kind of satellite connectivity right away.

AT&T deployed SatCOLT (Satellite Cell on Light Truck) connectivity, as did T-Mobile.

If you’re a T-Mobile Experience Beyond subscriber, there’s no extra cost above your regular subscription. Others, including AT&T and Verizon customers can access the service for $10 per month.

This is less expensive than had been predicted — $15 per month had been expected. ZDNET has a take on this: “That monthly $10 fee is lower than the amounts the carrier had previously stated — $15 for other T-Mobile customers and $20 for AT&T and Verizon customers. The Uncarrier seems to have dropped the price as an incentive to coax more people to sign up,” it said.

How To Get It

If you haven't yet signed up for the beta and want to, there’s a form you can fill out on T-Mobile's Starlink page. You may get access to the beta before it ends in July.

Assuming you do, access to the service is straightforward and automatic. If you’re in a place outside cellular coverage, your phone will connect to a Starlink satellite to resume internet access. And, as mentioned, this works even if your phone is in your pocket: no pointing at the stars necessary.

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