T-Mobile has enhanced its satellite-to-cell service, known as “T-Satellite,” to include a range of popular applications in the United States. This service, powered by Starlink, enables users to remain connected even in the absence of cellular coverage. The newly supported apps include WhatsApp, Google Maps, X (formerly Twitter), AccuWeather, and T-Mobile’s customer service app T-Life, along with outdoor exploration applications such as AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX.
T-Satellite is available for free on most T-Mobile subscriber plans or can be obtained for a fee of $10 per month. Eligible devices will automatically connect to the satellite network when cellular or Wi-Fi services are unavailable. However, T-Mobile has indicated that the functionality of supported apps will be limited to essential features, rather than providing full-featured, data-intensive experiences over the satellite connection.
WhatsApp will allow users to send messages, voice notes, and images, and to make voice and video calls, including group chats. For the X platform, users can post text, photos, GIFs, and videos, as well as browse feeds, with the option to control the loading of high-resolution media to conserve data.
Currently, T-Satellite provides connectivity to native applications on select iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung phone models, including Google Messages, Apple Music, Fitness, Maps, and Weather. The introduction of third-party app support marks a significant development for T-Satellite, which initially launched in July and was limited to text messaging and location-sharing capabilities.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/790412/t-mobile-satellite-service-apps-x-whatsapp-google-maps