Key Takeaways
1. The new Google Pixel 10 series will be the first phones to use Starlink satellite Internet data, available from August 28.
2. The Pixel 9a supports only satellite messaging, without the capability to send pictures or use app data through Starlink.
3. T-Mobile has a list of compatible phones and apps for Starlink data, including certain Google Pixel models, Apple’s iPhone 13-16 series, and select older Samsung models.
4. Users of the Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip models will not have access to Starlink data, despite their high price points.
5. New apps optimized for the limited bandwidth of T-Satellite data include Google Maps, Google Messages, and Find Hub.
Google and T-Mobile surprised everyone with the announcement of a new phone that can use Starlink’s data capabilities during the launch event for the Pixel 10 series.
Exciting New Features
According to Big Magenta, the latest Google Pixel phones will be the first to tap into Starlink satellite Internet data after the Pixel 10 series is released on August 28. However, the previously launched Pixel 9a, which is currently on sale at Amazon, only allows for satellite messaging and lacks the ability to send pictures or use app data through Starlink’s connection.
The Latest Updates
T-Mobile has revealed a list of phones and applications that are ready for Starlink data, just ahead of the general release of the T-Satellite data service in October. Other Google Pixel models from the 9 series and later are either already supporting Starlink data or will receive support soon.
In addition, Apple’s iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series will also be compatible with Starlink’s satellite Internet service on T-Mobile. Some older Samsung models are included too, but not all. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A14 won’t have access to Starlink data, which makes sense considering its lower price point.
Disappointing News for Some Users
It may frustrate users of the Galaxy S21 series that they will not be able to use Starlink’s data service on T-Mobile. Those who invested in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3, and their successors, Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, are also left out, even though these foldable phones are priced quite high.
This situation is particularly surprising because some of T-Mobile’s budget-friendly options, like the Revvl 7, 7 Pro, and Revvl 8, are marked as “coming soon” for Starlink data support. To top it off, no Motorola phone scheduled for release in 2024 will offer Starlink data support, adding to the growing list of 14 incompatible devices.
T-Mobile advocated for the inclusion of older phones for Starlink satellite Internet service compatibility and successfully secured exemptions for many. However, the new Starlink data connectivity won’t be available for all of the older models.
New Apps for Limited Bandwidth
The first apps designed to work with the limited bandwidth of the T-Satellite data option are now confirmed. Not surprisingly, all of these apps are from Google, including essential tools like Google Maps, Google Messages, and the Find Hub service for tracking down lost devices linked to your Google account.
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