Not all T-Mobile plans will be eligible for this option
Rollout to users confirms inclusion of satellite messaging support in Android 15
T-Mobile partners with Starlink for satellite messaging on Android devices
Users can send text messages via satellite to anyone with a clear view of the sky
In a groundbreaking development, T-Mobile is partnering with Starlink for satellite messaging support on existing devices, allowing users to send text messages via satellite not just for emergency services, but to anyone with a clear view of the sky. This collaboration between T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink was first spotted in an Android beta release over two months ago, and its rollout to users today confirms the inclusion of satellite messaging support in Android 15. While Apple introduced satellite connectivity in the iPhone 14 series, progress on the Android side of things has been slow. However, T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink aims to change that and bring satellite messaging to more users on Android devices.
Select T-Mobile customers with Android 15 devices may soon have satellite messaging capability. This isn't the first time we're learning about this feature. Google already planned to bring satellite connectivity to Android devices with the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2. Developers saw code snippets indicating Android's support for T-Mobile and SpaceX's Direct to Cell. Once this rolls out, it would be a big help to LTE-capable devices in dead zones. Some Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 Pro users already had the option for satellite messaging earlier this year, but once the second Android beta 15 gets downloaded, the option should be available to more devices. However, not all T-Mobile plans will be eligible for this option; for example, the feature is not available on the Magenta MAX military plan. If you are using an Android device, you can check if this feature is already available on your device by going to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > T-Mobile. The service has not yet officially been launched, so it could be a while before it becomes available on your device. T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink is a significant step forward in bringing satellite messaging to more users and devices, making communication possible even in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
Android 15 users with eligible T-Mobile plans are seeing a new settings menu for satellite messaging.
Satellite messaging on Android 15 can be used anytime Wi-Fi and cellular are unavailable, not just in emergencies.
Accuracy
Users likely won’t be able to use satellite messaging on Android 15 until their carrier rolls out support for it.
Text messages via satellite are not limited to emergency services, but can be sent to anyone with a clear view of the sky.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(95%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states 'As Android Authority surmised, the Android 15 settings menu for satellite messaging doesn’t look like it is unique or exclusive to T-Mobile.' This statement implies that because Android Authority has made a conclusion, it must be true. However, this does not necessarily mean that there are no other fallacies in the article.
As Android Authority surmised, the Android 15 settings menu for satellite messaging doesn’t look like it is unique or exclusive to T-Mobile.
Select T-Mobile customers with Android 15 devices may soon have satellite messaging capability.
Google planned to bring satellite connectivity to Android devices with the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.
Developers saw code snippets indicating Android’s support for T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Direct to Cell.
Accuracy
Users can check if the feature is available on their device by going to Settings < E Network < Internet < SIMs < T-Mobile.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains a few informal fallacies and an appeal to authority. It mentions that Google already planned to bring satellite connectivity to Android devices with Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, implying that the feature is trustworthy since it comes from a reputable company. Additionally, there's an example of dichotomous depiction by presenting satellite messaging as a solution for dead zones and not mentioning any potential drawbacks or limitations.
This isn’t the first time we’re learning about this feature.
Google already planned to bring satellite connectivity to Android devices when it released Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.
Once this rolls out, it would be a big help to LTE-capable devices in dead zones.
