Starlink Mini
Jan 26, 2025 | 12:33 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: KOA/PHKO
Programs: Starbucks Gold, Amazon Prime
Posts: 911
T-Mobile is currently in the process of connecting with some users of Android phones for testing the StarLink service for emergency communication. They had a cattle call registration in the recent past, and apparently got a huge turnout of volunteers for the trial. I signed up, but so far I have not heard of any iPhone users (I use a 16 Pro Max) being selected for the pilot program. The progress amongst users and hopefuls is a daily topic on Reddit-T-Mobile If you want to check the daily chatter.
Jan 27, 2025 | 3:37 am
#17
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 377
I got a SMS from T-Mobile recently effectively rejecting my request to join the trial (I signed up to the list a month or so ago) - "T-Mobile: Thanks for your interest in T-Mobile Starlink beta. To ensure the best possible experience and service reliability, we're optimizing T-Mobile Starlink beta for newer smartphones (majority released in the last two years). More devices will be optimized over time so please stay tuned.". I have an iPhone 15 Pro, but I guess they're looking for newer.
Jan 27, 2025 | 11:29 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: the American West
Programs: Aiming for less
Posts: 4,067
My understanding is that the first group of people will be recent model Samsung users, and that the iPhone update shipping this week supports T-Mobile Starlink.
Jan 27, 2025 | 11:31 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: the American West
Programs: Aiming for less
Posts: 4,067
As someone who lives in the Tahoe basin, I love the Starlink mini in my Tesla. It works great throughout the glass, and means no dead zones. Also means WiFi when we go camping. Still
surprised at how fast.
surprised at how fast.
Feb 4, 2025 | 3:00 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,890
I 100% agree that, in general, it seems to be a solution in search of a problem. On a cruise with exorbitant wifi costs, ok maybe (but I anecdotally recall many of the cruise lines advertising free wifi as part of the cruise package). Out in the middle of nowhere, ok maybe (indeed, this is why family acquaintance has started using it). But, really? It seems to be of limited value in many cases where either cell phone (or femto cell) signal is strong and or there's "free" wifi. Obviously, this is just my opinion. It sounds like certain people need it in life threatening situations. But, again, I'm a pass.
At $120 USD/mo, the price isn't that much more than what the cable cos charge in some areas. Compared to INMARSAT, it's absolutely wonderful and dirt cheap. I have an Inmarsat phone, but haven't used it since Starlink became available. Inmarsat's $95/mo for 150 mins or 150 texts. If I plop down a Starlink, numerous people can be simultaneously making phone calls, sending video/photos, etc, for MUCH less.