Superbowl viewers furious after T-Mobile launches controversial ad with Elon Musk's Starlink
Some viewers are threatening to leave the network provider
Yesterday (9 February) was a huge day for Eagles fans as the Philadelphia Eagles secured a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.
Big names like Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, Jay-Z and President Trump all made an appearance to watch the victory.
However, before the celebrations began, T-Mobile's controversial ad caused a stir with Superbowl fans during the first quarter.
The network provider promoted its new satellite direct-to-cell service, thanks to a collaboration with SpaceX's Starlink.
Advert
The service aims to eliminate 'dead zones' across the US, allowing people to send texts now and eventually make calls and use data - even in areas without normal cell coverage.
It’s a big step forward for connectivity, and the service is expected to be extended beyond T-Mobile customers. According to the network provider, their service will work on most modern smartphones and for people using AT&T, Verizon and other carriers.
“T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the U.S. that automatically connects to your phone so you can be connected even when no cellular network reaches," said T-Mobile president and CEO Mike Sievert. "It’s a massive technical achievement and an absolute game changer for ALL wireless users.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Register for the Starlink direct to cell beta program with T-Mobile".
However, what's ticked a lot of people off is that many people don’t want anything to do with the tech billionaire following his controversial 'salute' and other divisive views shared to X, and they’re making their feelings known online.
T-Mobile's ad reads: "anyone. any wireless carrier. if you can see the sky, you're connected."
Now, some customers are threatening to leave T-Mobile, according to comments on X.
"So I am dropping T-Mobile now that they have teamed up with Elon Musk," one user wrote.
"F*** @TMobile . They are giving your data to Elon Musk and Starlink," another angry viewer replied.
"f*** you @TMobile i don’t want elon musks stupid space s*** controlling my phone. we will be cancelling our plan," a third user chimed in and added the trending hashtag of '#BoycottTMobile'.
Another user stated: "Notice that Starlink commercial is partnering up with T-mobile??? ELON is trying to get all ur cell phone info too".
SpaceX and T-Mobile first announced their collaboration on satellite direct-to-cell service over two and a half years ago. But, the project required SpaceX to launch a fleet of next-generation Starlink V2 satellites. Now, these satellites are being manufactured at SpaceX’s facility in Redmond, Washington and are set to be deployed with hundreds already in low-Earth orbit.