T-Mobile's competitor has seen frequent usage of its satellite service by customers.

The following apps have compatibility with T-Satellite, though some functions may be limited:

WhatsApp: Supports text messages, voice recordings, images, and voice and video calls (usually at a reduced resolution).

X (formerly Twitter): Lets users see posts and trending subjects, share updates, and manage high-resolution media loading.

Google Maps

AccuWeather

T-Life: T-Mobile's app for customer experience, which features support for T-Satellite.

Yahoo Mail (only on Android).

Apple Messages (texting and location sharing)

Apple Maps

Apple Weather

Apple Compass

Apple Fitness

Apple Music

The following Android apps also work with T-Satellite:

Google Messages

Google Find Hub

Google Personal Safety

Pixel Weather

Samsung's Weather app

Ookla, the company that owns the Speedtest.net app, has studied the usage of T-Satellite service. Ookla's findings showed that T-Mobile users accounted for 60.9% of T-Satellite usage among Android users between December 2024 and September 2025. AT&T subscribers accounted for 34% of Android phone users of T-Satellite. The implications for AT&T's terrestrial service or its subscribers is unknown.

The number of T-Mobile and AT&T customers using T-Satellite grew considerably from late 2024 to September 2025, while Verizon subscribers' usage remained stable. Verizon's partnership with Skylo could be the cause. Skylo obtains satellite connectivity from other sources and provides it to Verizon customers using Galaxy S25 series phones and newer Pixel models, enabling them to send texts.

Later in the year, AT&T and Verizon customers can use AST SpaceMobile for occasional satellite connections. AST SpaceMobile plans to provide more consistent service in the future as more satellites are launched.

According to Ookla, Los Angeles County, California, has the highest concentration of T-Satellite usage. This is logical given the area's mountainous and canyonous terrain. T-Mobile also provided free T-Satellite texting in this area during wildfire disruptions.

The study also indicated that the median download and upload speeds of Starlink's fixed internet service remained consistent, even with T-Mobile's testing and launch of the T-Satellite service. The median download speed increased from 78.49 Mbps in early 2024 to 128.18 Mbps last month. The median upload speed climbed from 12.26 Mbps to 17.63 Mbps in August during that time. Unlike download speeds, upload speeds rose intermittently.

Ookla also evaluated T-Satellite's latency, which gauges how long it takes to complete data transfers after a transfer command is issued. Starting at 52 milliseconds in early 2024, the median multi-server latency has decreased to 40 milliseconds.

It is important to consider the purpose of T-Satellite. T-Mobile states that, "Satellite connections aren’t always instant – because satellites move overhead, your phone may need a moment to find one. If you don’t see signal right away, just give it a little time and try again. This isn’t high speed data, but it’s built for what matters most off grid." T-Satellite is not designed for routine use; it is intended for use in unusual circumstances when cellular connectivity is unavailable.

Most analysts believe satellite connectivity will continue to be helpful to fill gaps in areas where cell service is not available. However, satellites are unlikely to replace cell towers for wireless service.

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