For now, T-Mobile restricts the beta for SpaceX's direct-to-cell Starlink system to Samsung S24 phones and two Galaxy foldable models.

Most people with cell phones might not ever experience what it feels like to suddenly find yourself in a dead zone. If you have, maybe you find solace in those brief interruptions without notifications.

T-Mobile debuts its Cellular Starlink Beta program, exclusively compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices. Discover how this groundbreaking technology promises to revolutionize mobile connectivity.

The emergency satellite connectivity has ferried 96,000 text messages to residents in fire-stricken areas of Los Angeles since T-Mobile activated the cellular Starlink access.

T-Mobile has reportedly started activating satellite network connectivity and messaging for some Samsung Galaxy users who signed up for the beta.

Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products at T-Mobile, said: “T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the US that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage.

Telstra’s new partnership with SpaceX-owned Starlink will soon let mobile customers text from areas of Australia where there is no mobile coverage — although travellers to remote islands and distant territories are out of luck, despite Starlink’s satellites covering them.

Several users who signed up for the T-Mobile satellite messaging service beta have reported that the feature has been activated on their devices. The carrier opened registration for a direct-to-cell satellite service beta test with Starlink in December.