Looks like the need for Emergency Satellite Communicators may be dwindling as SmartPhones appear ready to transition from "cellular" phones to cell & satellite phones.
Apple just released a new OS update for their newest phones which includes connectivity with Elon Musk's StarLink satellite network. The phones capable of doing this apparently are on the T Mobile network. Samsung has at least one model phone that is also capable of communicating through StarLink.
Simultaneously Apple is also investing billions in the GlobalStar satellite network, which also owns SPOT satellite trackers and communicators. These phones have been in service, and able to send emergency messages for at least one year and are available from ATT and Verizon. But they are "emergency" communicators only.
The T-Mobile network will allow 2 way texting and even sending low resolution images but there are promises that higher resolution and even phone service is coming.
So who will need a new Garmin Messenger, Zoleo or SPOT X in the future?
Several different articles are reporting very similar stories on the new developments from Apple/T-Mobile/SpaceX
bgr.com
Apple just released a new OS update for their newest phones which includes connectivity with Elon Musk's StarLink satellite network. The phones capable of doing this apparently are on the T Mobile network. Samsung has at least one model phone that is also capable of communicating through StarLink.
Simultaneously Apple is also investing billions in the GlobalStar satellite network, which also owns SPOT satellite trackers and communicators. These phones have been in service, and able to send emergency messages for at least one year and are available from ATT and Verizon. But they are "emergency" communicators only.
The T-Mobile network will allow 2 way texting and even sending low resolution images but there are promises that higher resolution and even phone service is coming.
So who will need a new Garmin Messenger, Zoleo or SPOT X in the future?
Several different articles are reporting very similar stories on the new developments from Apple/T-Mobile/SpaceX
Apple and SpaceX secretly brought Starlink satellite support to iPhones
Apple is finally offering support for Starlink satellite service on iPhones, but only on T-Mobile, and access is still limited.
bgr.com
Apparently, Apple, T-Mobile, and SpaceX have been working together in secret. A new report from Bloomberg says the three companies have brought Starlink’s satellite service to iPhones. So far, testing is very limited, but the feature began rolling out with the release of iOS 18.3 on Monday.
This unannounced collaboration is a significant step in expanding satellite connectivity for smartphone users. While Apple has already offered emergency satellite messaging through its partnership with Globalstar, integrating SpaceX’s Starlink network marks a major accessibility shift.
Unlike the Globalstar system, which requires users to manually point their iPhone toward the sky to establish a satellite connection (as seen in the featured image above), Starlink’s system is designed to work automatically—even when the phone is in a pocket or bag. This seamless functionality should make off-the-grid communication more accessible.
Only a small number of customers are included in the beta test, and T-Mobile has been quietly notifying select users that they now have access to Starlink’s satellite texting service. Those enrolled in the program received a message saying it was now available. iPhone users have gained a new toggle in their cellular settings to manage the satellite connection.
For now, Starlink’s satellite service on iPhones only supports texting, but T-Mobile and SpaceX have confirmed plans to expand to data and voice services in the future. While Apple has kept quiet about its role in the project, T-Mobile has indicated that Starlink’s satellite connectivity will eventually be available for most smartphones on its network.
Bloomberg says the company is expected to broaden the beta test in February, gradually adding more iPhone users before an official launch. Since 2022, Apple has exclusively relied on Globalstar to power its emergency SOS and satellite texting features, but this new Starlink integration suggests the company is open to working with multiple satellite providers.
STORY CONTINUES AT THE LINK ABOVE
