Some T-Mobile customers might soon be able to claim a full year of free satellite texting.
Last month, T-Mobile expanded its Starlink satellite messaging program beyond its own borders and allowed AT&T and Verizon customers to sign up for the beta test of the service.
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This meant that users of three of the biggest wireless providers in the nation had access to satellite-powered texting to send messages without a cell signal.
All you have to do is…
The test for AT&T and Verizon users is free until July, but those customers have a chance to take advantage of an offer for a free year of satellite texting. All you have to do is switch carriers.
According to an email sent to customers, T-Mobile will offer a year of free Starlink satellite texting to any customer who is currently enrolled in the beta test and transfers their number from AT&T or Verizon to T-Mobile before the trial period ends in July.
“An exclusive offer for beta registrants,” the email reads. “Switch to T‑Mobile today and you’ll receive a free year of satellite coverage for every line you register in the beta.” The offer is good for up to 12 lines and applies to any T-Mobile plan except Go5G Next.
There’s no indication that existing T-Mobile customers will receive a discount.
A $240 savings if you were to pay
While the service is free on T-Mobile’s top Go5G Next plan, it costs $15 for all other tiers and $20 a month for AT&T and Verizon customers. That works out to a savings of $240 if you were going to pay for satellite texting.
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In a Washington Post interview, T-Mobile’s president of marketing, strategy, and products, Mike Katz, said the company will likely expand Starlink service beyond basic texting, including voice calls, messages with photos and video, and apps that don’t require a high connection speed.
If you’re interested in transferring, signups for the beta test are still open. The program has been popular to this point, as the wireless carrier said it’s adding “thousands of people” every day.