its Starlink service, but it also needs the help of network carriers. Dead zones are areas with no cell service, leaving anyone in such a region without a way to communicate with friends and family. Dead zones exist for a variety of reasons.
For example, it may be impossible to provide coverage in areas such as mountain ranges and deserts because of the challenge the terrain provides. There are also areas such as national parks that are off-limits due to restrictions put in place to protect such sites, thus preventing carriers from installing network equipment. Also, the world is a pretty big place, and there are several remote areas where technology hasn't yet penetrated.
Leveraging its Starlink technology, SpaceX wants to partner with carriers to bring cell service to almost every corner of the United States. It wants to start with T-Mobile. The plan, which is dubbed phones offered by T-Mobile. The solution is to "create a new network that will be broadcast from Starlink's satellites using T-Mobile's mid-band spectrum." The service will work as long as the customer can see the sky, so it should work even if the phone is in the 's pocket or if they are in a car. The plan was tly announced by Elon Musk and the CEO of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert.
Messages First, Voice & Data Later
When the service launches, it will first be limited to only messages (SMS, MMS and select messaging apps) before adding voice and data connectivity. This makes sense as SMS has a low bandwidth requirement and is cross-platform. According to a T-Mobile press release, the service is expected to go into beta in select areas starting by the end of 2023 after SpaceX launches its satellite. The plan is to provide this text coverage to practically all areas "in the continental U.S., Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters."
While SpaceX is starting with the U.S., the bigger plan is to offer this service across the globe which is why an open invitation has been extended to carriers worldwide. Sievert said at the launch event that T-Mobile could offer reciprocal roaming so that s can enjoy the service when home and abroad. Regarding pricing, T-Mobile's CEO said the service is expected to be bundled free of charge with its most popular plans. However, those who would have to pay should expect lower pricing than what's available from current satellite plans.