In a major service delivery, US telco T-Mobile has launched a satellite-based Text to 911 feature free for all mobile users, including those who are not on its network. The service lets you send a simple text where there’s no cellular coverage, which can become life-saving in emergency situations, as it has proved on numerous occasions. Whether you are on Verizon or AT&T, you can still avail yourself of the generosity from T-Mobile.
T-Mobile’s satellite text feature, branded T-Satellite Text to 911, leverages Starlink’s satellite constellation to facilitate communication. The feature lets users send a text without the phone being latched to T-Mobile’s cellular tower. The facility to send a text without needing a mobile network has saved many lives. The best thing here is that it’s now available without costing a dime, and even better, even non-T-Mobile users get to use this feature on their satellite connectivity-supported smartphone.
How do I get T-Mobile’s free satellite Text to 911 feature?
Here’s how you get T-Mobile’s free Text to 911 feature on your phone:
- For T-Mobile customers: Go to Manage Data & Add-Ons on your T-Life app or via the online account
- Non-T-Mobile customers: Enroll on T-Mobile’s site
- After enrolling, your handset automatically tries to connect to a satellite to establish 911 text service when you are in a no-mobile network zone.
Also: T-Mobile WiFi Calling, requirements, set up on Android, iPhone, tariff
Great public service!
T-Mobile’s full-fledged T-Satellite package comes in at $10 a month. Many users, however, have expressed displeasure that this emergency communication doesn’t come free while being on a carrier plan. At this, T-Mobile has brought a toned-down but mightily relevant service for people. The telco is sending a message that hey! We care for you; it’s not money all the time.
Though it’s not a full package, the mantra here is that you can use the feature on any network and help reach out to rescue teams during emergency situations.
It also sends pressure to the likes of Apple to follow suit. Time will tell how it gets a reaction from other actors in the industry.