T-Mobile US has added a data offering to its satellite-based direct-to-cell service that allows customers to use slimmed-down versions of some key apps, including WhatsApp and X.
The mobile operator is making good on its long-held commitment to add data into the mix when practical. It has done so two months after the commercial launch of its T-Satellite with Starlink, which initially offered SMS text messaging, MMS, picture messages and short audio clips to customers out of reach of terrestrial mobile networks.
At the time T-Mobile said it would launch data in October, and did exactly as it promised on the first of the month.
The telco makes no bones about the fact that this is not a full data service though. "We're talking about unleashing the most loved and cherished features of the app experience," it said. Essentially, that's putting a positive spin on the fact that this is a watered-down version of what customers might be used to in a 5G world.
