Unexpected Findings from the Analysis of T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Services
T-Mobile, in partnership with SpaceX, is currently testing a new satellite messaging service that is in the beta phase. A research firm called Signals Research Group (SRG) has conducted an analysis to compare satellite communication with regular mobile networks. The results are mostly encouraging and align with what many expected.
To carry out the testing, SRG used equipment from companies called Accuver Americas and Rohde & Schwarz. This equipment was used to measure how well T-Mobile’s new messaging service works, especially in areas where signal strength from traditional cell towers is weak or even absent. The satellite service operates on a specific frequency band that T-Mobile also uses for its regular 5G network. This service currently works with many popular smartphones from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Interestingly, it is available not just for T-Mobile users, but also for customers of AT&T and Verizon.
In their tests, SRG utilized a Galaxy S24 smartphone. They found that the satellite messaging service had a broad coverage area, meaning it can be used in many places. Users can send both RCS messages, which are more advanced, and basic SMS text messages. The service can even function in unusual conditions that it wasn’t specifically designed for. While it takes a little longer to send messages via satellite compared to traditional texting, this delay isn’t significant enough to disrupt the average user’s experience.
SRG noted that, in many cases, the time it took to deliver messages was similar to what you would expect from regular text messaging services. In rare situations, there might be a delay that wouldn’t be ideal if someone were in an urgent situation, like being chased by a bear. However, they argue that users generally don’t sit by their phones waiting for messages, so the delay will not usually be a significant concern.
The study also reported that the reliability of T-Mobile’s satellite service is comparable to standard text messaging. Interestingly, the service runs on LTE technology instead of the newer 5G. SpaceX, T-Mobile’s partner, plans to introduce data and Internet of Things (IoT) services soon, with voice support likely to follow later.
For voice calls and low-data services to be added, some upgrades will be necessary, particularly relating to the 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) technology that is part of the official 5G standards. SRG’s analysis found that there wasn’t much interference between the satellites and T-Mobile’s ground-based cell towers, even though this was initially a concern. The President of SRG, Michael Thelander, tested the service inside his house, which is near a T-Mobile cell site that operates on the same channel as Starlink. Despite a weak signal indoors, he was able to send and receive messages without any issues, easing worries that T-Mobile’s 5G and Starlink could interfere with one another.
Currently, T-Mobile utilizes 477 satellites controlled by SpaceX for this messaging service. While T-Mobile’s competitors are also making strides in satellite communication, the company holds an advantage since SpaceX is not only responsible for the satellites but also for the rockets used to launch them into space. This support from SpaceX positions T-Mobile well in the evolving landscape of satellite messaging services.
