T-Mobile Extends Text to 911 Off-Grid to All Wireless Users, Including Verizon and AT&T Customers

11/05/2025 – 09:35 AM

T-Satellite with Starlink brings wireless users 911 access to places where voice calls aren’t possible

BELLEVUE, Wash. – In a move poised to redefine emergency communication, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) is extending its satellite-based Text to 911 service to all compatible wireless devices, regardless of carrier. This initiative aims to provide a critical safety net across 500,000 square miles of the U.S. where traditional cell towers fall short. The service, powered by T-Mobile’s T-Satellite technology in partnership with Starlink, connects users to emergency services via text message in areas previously inaccessible for voice calls.

T-Satellite with Starlink brings wireless users 911 access to places where voice calls aren’t possible

“We’ve all experienced that unsettling feeling of being out of cell range when we need help,” stated Mike Katz, President, Marketing, Strategy & Products, T-Mobile. “T-Mobile Text to 911 with T-Satellite offers peace of mind, and we believe it’s too vital to restrict. Now, all wireless users with compatible phones can access this service for free.”

The Technology Behind the Connection

Launched in July, T-Satellite utilizes over 650 Starlink satellites orbiting above 200 miles from Earth. This network seamlessly activates when terrestrial signals are unavailable due to distance, obstructions, or infrastructural damage in the event of a natural disaster. The technology automatically connects to the satellite network, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. T-Mobile envisions ubiquitous connectivity, stating that if you can see the sky, you’re connected.

While adoption of this service has been driven by adventurous usage and business in remote environment, the most important use case is to call 911 for any kind of emergency. Considering that users have various needs, T-Mobile decides to extend their existing model to all wireless users by providing the Text to 911 feature for free as long as the user has a satellite-compatible smartphone.

T-Satellite Service Options

T-Mobile has expanded the accessibility of T-Satellite service to all wireless users.

T-Mobile customers

• T-Satellite — including messaging, Text to 911, data and location services — is included with Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans.
• T-Satellite with all its services can also be added a la carte to any other T-Mobile plan for $10 /month
• T-Mobile Text to 911 is available for free as a standalone option to all T-Mobile customers with a compatible device

Non T-Mobile customers

• T-Satellite can be purchased a la carte for $10 / month for those with a compatible device
• All wireless users with a compatible device can now enroll for free access to T-Mobile Text to 911

A Competitive Landscape and Future Implications

T-Mobile’s move is significant, particularly in a market where competitors are also exploring satellite-based emergency services. Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone 14 and later models provides similar functionality, and Google has also integrated satellite connectivity into its latest Pixel phones. These solutions, however, are device-specific, highlighting T-Mobile’s effort to open access to all compatible devices independent of mobile carrier. This strategic decision could foster significant goodwill among consumers by creating a more robust ecosystem for 911 access through satellite nationwide.

While T-Mobile with Starlink is the only service of its kind, two other satellite-based messaging services offer access to emergency services on select iPhone and latest Google Pixel models. T-Satellite automatically defers to those device-native services.

Consideration for Emergency Services

The broader rollout of satellite emergency services raises important questions about emergency response infrastructure. While increased access to 911 is undoubtedly beneficial, it also necessitates upgrades to 911 call centers and training for dispatchers to effectively handle text-based emergencies from remote locations. Emergency services need to be prepared to handle data on an exponentially larger scale compared to just voice calls. Interoperability between different satellite service providers and 911 systems will also be crucial to ensure seamless communication during emergencies.

T-Satellite : Texting & select satellite-ready apps with compatible device in most outdoor areas in the U.S. where you can see the sky. Satellite service, including Text to 911, may be delayed, limited, or unavailable. Included with Experience Beyond plans or $10 /mo.; auto renews monthly. Cancel anytime in T-Life App.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile.