Opt out of Starlink coverage on iPhone?

IronWisp wrote:

It’s mandatory for t-mobile users. I can literally see it right now. You aren’t going to just gas lite me. It doesn’t say anything about beta. It literally says demo then you have it. No info about how to remove it or what it was. If you aren’t doing to help stop commenting non sense.

Wrong! I think you can clearly see from the T-Mobile page provided by Jeff Donald that it is beta and you do have to sign up for the service. If you choose to opt-in to the beta, the service will only be free for a short time where after the beta is over, you would need to pay for the service if you want to continue to use it. You can opt-out at any time if you chose to sign up. Please read the information that has been provided so you have a better understanding before posting. Some plans can include the service or you can choose a plan that does not have the service. The choice is yours. Also on the T- Mobile site, you will see this:

Early Adopter Discount automatically renews at $10/mo. until cancelled. Cancel anytime in the T-Life App. Customers will be notified prior to their first charge in July 2025.

bmgiurintano wrote:

Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a smart phone out there that isn’t connected to Starlink. But I think there is some way to opt out of using it.

Unfortunately I don't think you read any of the information provided. Apple uses GlobalStar for their satellite connection and does not use StarLink at all. T-Mobile is beta testing using their service with StarLink, but the user would have to opt-in to that service or pay an additional monthly fee for StarLink access.

Beth Smith 939 wrote:

I want nothing to do with Starlink and Elon Musk. I have been an iPhone user for many years. But I will switch to an Android if I am not given an option so I don’t have to connect with Starlink. I don’t have T-Mobile as a carrier, thank goodness. And my software updates are turned off. No more secret partnerships please for Apple, especially with someone like Musk.

Have you actually read any of the information posted here? You're not on T-Mobile, nor have you opted-in to the beta on T-Mobile that grants satellite access to Starlink. There is nothing on your phone and no connection to Starlink. Besides, Androids already connect to Starlink on T-Mobile. Apple doesn't even use StarLink as it is invested in a competing satellite network, GlobalStar.

Beth Smith 939 wrote:

I want nothing to do with Starlink and Elon Musk. I have been an iPhone user for many years. But I will switch to an Android if I am not given an option so I don’t have to connect with Starlink. I don’t have T-Mobile as a carrier, thank goodness. And my software updates are turned off. No more secret partnerships please for Apple, especially with someone like Musk.

Crickets..... Really! I would suspect that after learning the actual facts, including that Android users were using StarLink with T-Mobile much longer and the partnership is not with Apple at all, you would be looking to offer an update on what you have expressed. Hopefully with the posts provided, it will help with your decision making, and you may want to review your sources where you are getting your information. In what way is turning off Software Updates preventing StarLink access for you?

• You don't have T-Mobile, so it would not concern you even if you wanted it.
• Currently T-Mobile customers would have to sign up for the beta, you don't automatically get it by updating your software.
• T-Moblie customers will have the option to use StarLink if they want by choosing a supported plan or paying $15 a month extra for access if that is what they want to do.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

Mac Jim ID wrote:

• Crickets..... Really! I would suspect that after learning the actual facts, including that Android users were using StarLink with T-Mobile much longer and the partnership is not with Apple at all, you would be looking to offer an update on what you have expressed. Hopefully with the posts provided, it will help with your decision making, and you may want to review your sources where you are getting your information. In what way is turning off Software Updates preventing StarLink access for you?

You don't have T-Mobile, so it would not concern you even if you wanted it.

• Currently T-Mobile customers would have to sign up for the beta, you don't automatically get it by updating your software.

• T-Moblie customers will have the option to use StarLink if they want by choosing a supported plan or paying $15 a month extra for access if that is what they want to do.

I’m beginning to think that conspiracy theorists on the left are even worse than on the right.

Nah. Conspiracy theorists are simply that and it doesn't matter which side of the aisle they sit on. The simple fact is once presented with facts, people have a natural tendency to never apologize or admit they were wrong. In fact, against normal convention, people often have a tendency to get angry when it is proven they are wrong.

I worry more about the people who, after being presented real facts, come back to continue arguing their misguided facts with fervor. Think, Emily Litella, a famous Gilda Radner Character, who after going on a rant and being told she was wrong, would simply say "never mind!"

Otterbox27 wrote:

I own and have endorsed ownership across all of Apple products for more than 15 years. I will retract earlier statements and return or replace every apple product I own if this is reality. Elon Musk now having his hand in the government will not also have his hand on all of my personal and private information. Do as you will Apple. The oligarchy is yours.

I can see how you would want to retract your statements after learning that:

• Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile, not Apple.
• You would only use that service if you choose to sign up for it through T-Mobile.

Apparently your issue is with T-Mobile and you have every right to use whatever cell provider you want for any reason. Feel free to let them know how you feel by contacting them, it has nothing to do with Apple.

Realblue74 wrote:

I don’t want to be connected either. My family has been with APPLE products for almost 20 years and if they are partnering with Starlink we will be switching all our products to Samsung. Apple has made a big mistake. All iPhones, IPads and watches will be quickly going into the garbage. We’ve already sold all our Apple stocks as well.

Oh boy, here we go again. Simple reading could have eased your worries and prevented any of the ridiculous statements. Apple is not partnering with StarLink, T-Mobile is for a service to only their customers if they want to pay an extra $15 per month added to their cellular plan. You would have to opt-in if that is ever something you want to do. T-Mobile had worked with Samsung to get it on their devices first, so I guess you will be throwing that one in the garbage too! It is not our fault you sold your stock already.

The good news is Apple hasn’t partnered with Starlink. T-Mobile is the company partnered with Starlink. If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber you’ll want to consider switching.

Verizon owns their own satellite service, Inmarsat. AT&T owns about 20% of another satellite company, so those would be your best choices.

I hope that helps with your understanding and decision making process. I hope you have a great day!

Apple has not partnered with Starlink. T-Mobile is the company that partnered with Starlink. Apple is part owner of an entirely different satellite company to provide SOS service on iPhones.

You have to remember that changes happen all the time when technology is involved. The original post is almost 3 weeks old. About a week ago t-mobile expand their beta program to non t-mobile subscribers for a few months. This a marketing ploy to all non-subscribers to try the new service for free in the hopes of attracting new subscribers. T-mobile has stated that the service will transition to a paid service in July. The service is limited to text for now, but will add voice and data in the future. It still requires you to become a t-mobile subscriber in the future if you want to continue the service.

norchid wrote:

So it’s like an app? You choose to add it to your device, or opt not to?

It is not an app, it is a service offered by your cellular provider. Currently for T-Mobile it is an opt-in service where you would have to sign up with them. T-Mobile is offering it as a beta to test the service, but will eventually charge their users if they want to continue and use it.

This might make it easier to understand --> The Starlink Myth - Apple Community

[Edited by Moderator]

Unless you are a T-Mobile subscriber and signed up for their beta service, there is nothing for you to Opt-Out. In the future, T-Mobile intends to offer plans that include the service and also charge $15 a month for those that want to use it. Again, there is nothing for you to opt-out of and you will not have it, unless that is something you sign up for. This is a partnership with StarLink and T-Mobile, it is not a partnership with Apple and StarLink.

You’re misunderstanding what is happening. Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile. If you’re not a T-Mobile customer, then you have no worries. If you are with T-Mobile consider using another carrier. Verizon and AT&T are partnered with other satellite service providers.

kobathan wrote:

I do not want to use starlink to increase messaging coverage. An opt out option should be available to those who wish to opt out.

Oh no, not again. You have not read any of the information provided here and if you had you would realize that you don't even get the service unless you sign up for it during the beta period. After the beta is over, T-Mobile will be charging users $15 a month unless they pay for a higher tier plan that includes it, if they want to use the satellite coverage.. There is nothing for you to opt out of and you will not have it, unless you choose to do so!

Apple hasn’t partnered with Starlink. T-Mobile is the company partnered with Starlink. If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber you’ll want to consider switching. Verizon owns their own satellite service, Inmarsat. AT&T owns about 20% of another satellite company, so those would be your best choices.

I hope that helps with your understanding and decision making process. I hope you have a great day!