STARLINK: Tomorrow, T-Mobile will officially launch T-Satellite; their partnership with SpaceX for Starlink Direct-to-Cell messaging. T-Satellite users will be able to send SMS texts on iPhone and Android. Android users will also get MMS immediately, with iPhone support to follow. Customers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ($100 per month for one line) or the Go5G Next plan will get the service for included in the cost of the plan going forward, and those on the Experience More plan ($85 per month) will get it through the end of the year. If you didn't take advantage of being a beta tester and sign up for the $5/mo subscription, you will pay the a standard $10/mo. T-Mobile says 911 texting will be available later this year to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier. If you’re a Verizon or AT&T customer, you’ll have to activate T-Satellite as a second eSIM on your phone to take advantage of the service.

Starbase Vote Rapidly Approaching! On May 3rd, Boca Chica Village in Cameron County, Texas, with a population of fewer than 500, will vote on incorporating as Starbase. This will make Starbase an official city in Texas. If approved, Starbase will also gain authority to close Texas State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach, currently managed by the county, easing SpaceX’s operational challenges. Two Texas legislature bills, Senate Bill 2188 and House Bill 4660, support granting the city beach closure rights. No specific vote dates are scheduled for the Bills in the Texas Legislature’s 89th session.