US travelers can now use T-Mobile satellite service in Canada and New Zealand


You wouldn’t think satellites flying overhead would be restricted by geographic boundaries, but T-Mobile subscribers were only able to use the carrier’s network T-Satellite Service in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and parts of Alaska. Now, customers traveling in Canada and New Zealand can connect to satellite service when they are out of cellular range.

According to the T-Mobile website T-Satellite support pagenew coverage areas are provided through partnerships with Rogers Satellite In Canada and One New Zealand satellite In New Zealand. The two companies are using SpaceX’s Starlink network of low-Earth orbit satellites to enable text messaging and limited data for enhanced applications, including voice calls. Using WhatsAppfor Rogers and One NZ subscribers in their countries.

T-Satellite works with most cell phones manufactured within the past four years and does not require special hardware to connect to the Starlink network. The service is included as a feature in T-Mobile“Experience Further” and “Better Value” plans, which are also available to anyone $10 per month As a secondary eSIM account on your phone.

Coverage map of North America showing areas served by cellular in dark pink and satellite in light pink.

T-Satellite coverage in Canada (light purple) is expanding communications northward.

T-Mobile/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

Canada and New Zealand are prime countries for this type of satellite coverage due to their large areas where traditional cellular networks are not established. 5G is limited in New Zealand, and 4G coverage is still somewhat concentrated around urban areas.

Side-by-side maps of New Zealand showing 4G coverage (dashed) and satellite coverage (full).

4G coverage in New Zealand (left) versus satellite coverage (right).

One NZ/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

With satellite access, you can tour New Zealand’s national parks or Canada’s northern wilderness and stay in touch with friends or ask for help if needed.

T-Mobile’s support page notes that other collaborations are underway to add more satellite coverage areas for its customers. In a statement to CNET, a T-Mobile representative wrote: “We are building on our leadership in satellite connectivity by working with leading international operators so our customers can stay connected when they travel abroad.”

See also: I had to drive 120 miles to test T-Mobile’s satellite service



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