Elon Musk Announces Free Internet via Starlink for Select Smartphones

📡 Elon Musk Announces Free Internet via Starlink for Select Smartphones

Date: May 2025

By: Tech News Global

🔍 Overview

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has officially launched a revolutionary free satellite internet service called Starlink Direct-to-Cell. This service, created in partnership with T-Mobile, will provide internet access in remote areas with no reliable mobile coverage.

🚀 Key Highlights

Service Name: Starlink Direct-to-Cell
Availability: Late 2025 (Beta)
Supported Devices: Selected smartphones (T-Mobile compatible)
Coverage: Remote/rural US areas first, with global expansion
Cost: Free for basic use (text/emergency); paid data coming later

📱 What is Starlink Direct-to-Cell?

The new service allows smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without relying on cellular towers. This enables text messaging, emergency calls, and eventually full internet access in dead zones.

🎤 Official Announcement

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Elon Musk and Mike Sievert (T-Mobile CEO) during the launch event

“We’re building a future where no one is left without connection, no matter where they live or travel.” – Elon Musk

🛰️ How It Works

LEO satellites send signals directly to Earth.
Smartphones receive satellite signals without special hardware.
Service supports SMS and emergency alerts at launch.
Voice and full internet support planned in future updates.

Starlink satellite array in orbit

🌍 Benefits

Essential during natural disasters
Bridges the digital divide in rural areas
Supports travelers in remote locations

⚠️ Challenges

Requires regulatory approval in each country
Bandwidth sharing in dense areas
Limited to certain smartphone models initially

✅ Conclusion

This ambitious collaboration between SpaceX and T-Mobile is a game-changer for global connectivity. With Starlink Direct-to-Cell, the goal of universal internet access is now within reach.

Certainly! Here's the English version of the phone list that are expected to support Starlink Direct-to-Cell free internet service, formatted clearly for your blog or documentation:

✅ List of Smartphones Expected to Support Free Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service

🔔 Note: The following phones are expected to support the service based on their compatibility with T-Mobile’s network and future firmware updates that enable satellite connectivity. Official confirmation is pending from SpaceX and T-Mobile.

📱 Samsung Phones

Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 / Z Flip 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 / Z Fold 5
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (with software updates)

🍎 Apple iPhones

iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd Gen, 2022) (support may vary)

🚫 iPhone 13 and earlier models may not support satellite connectivity.

📱 Google Pixel Phones

Google Pixel 6 / 6 Pro
Google Pixel 7 / 7 Pro
Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro

📱 OnePlus Phones

OnePlus 11 / OnePlus 12
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
OnePlus 10 Pro

📱 Other T-Mobile Compatible Phones

Motorola Edge (2023)
Nokia G400 5G
TCL 30 5G
Any T-Mobile certified 5G phone (with future OTA update support)

📌 Conditions to Access Free Service:

Phone must be compatible with T-Mobile's network
Requires active T-Mobile SIM or eSIM
Software update enabling satellite mode is required
Service available only in dead zones with no cellular coverage
Free tier includes SMS and emergency alerts only (data and voice will be added in future plans)

TechSage

Elon Musk Announces Free Internet via Starlink for Select Smartphones