If you’re in a cellular dead zone, satellite communication is often your best only option to get in touch with emergency services or loved ones. Apple has offered this feature by way of its Emergency SOS tech for a few years now, and now Google has introduced a similar capability with its Pixel 9 series. But even for people who don’t use any of these devices, there’s good news on the horizon, as we learn more about Starlink’s plans for Direct to Cell satellite service, to provide you with connectivity in areas where traditional cell networks just don’t reach.

T-Mobile struck a deal with Space X’s Starlink back in 2022 to use its satellite network for Direct to Cell service. Following that partnership’s year-long exclusivity, the service plans to open up to other carriers, as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently shared on X. This means that even if you’re not a T-Mobile customer, you should eventually be able to benefit from Starlink’s satellite connectivity.

Musk also indicated that SpaceX would be expanding this strategy globally, by partnering with one carrier from each country and eventually expanding the service to other carriers as well.

It has been two years since T-Mobile and Space X announced their partnership for satellite connectivity via Starlink’s network. More recently, Musk proclaimed that Starlink’s satellite services would provide emergency services on all smartphones globally, pending approval from national governments. When this satellite service rolls out for T-Mobile customers later this year, it should start with text message support, with plans to expand to data and even voice in 2025. Given all these advancements, there’s hope that this technology will set a new standard for staying connected.