No special hardware required for Musk's latest venture

• Elon Musk's latest act: T-Satellite letsordinary smartphones send and receive text via satellite.
• The service isn't a replacement for cellular service. It's a supplement for areas with poor or no ground-based service.
• Further enhancements are planned once more spectrum is available and more satellites are launched.

You can't say Elon Musk is short of ideas. Whether it's electric cars, tunnels in the desert,space launches or governmental cost-cutting, he's always up to something. His latest project is an extension of his Starlink satellite service. It's called T-Satellite and it lets ordinary smartphones on the T-Mobile network send and receive text messages even when you're out of range of the nearest cell tower.

For anyone whos ever lost signal bars on a back road, trail, or during a storm, this could be a lifesaver. And unlike bulky satphones, you dont need new hardwarejust your phone and a compatible plan.

The rollout

• Now: Satellite texting works nationwide through T-Mobile. Coverage is patchy but growing, and messages may take a bit longer to send than normal.

• October 2025: Limited data service arrives. Think messaging apps, maps, maybe a weather checknot YouTube binges.

• Coming later: Starlink says voice calls will eventually follow, once more satellites and spectrum are in place.

Pros

• Works with your existing smartphoneno extra gear.

• Great for emergencies or trips off-grid.

• Could soon bring basic data and voice to dead zones.

Cons

• Not a full cell replacementterrestrial towers still do the heavy lifting.

• Slow and limited at first, especially for data.

• Needs a clear view of the sky to connect.

How it stacks up

How does T-Satellite compare to other services? Here's a rundown:

• Apple/Google SOS: Starlink goes beyond SOS-only features, aiming for everyday texting and calls.

• Garmin/Zoleo: Those still win for rugged reliability, but require extra devices.

• Classic satphones: Better for guaranteed global voice today, but expensive and clunky.

• Rivals like AST SpaceMobile: Competition is coming, but Starlink is first out of the gate.

Starlink Satellite FAQ

Q: How do I sign up?
A: T-Mobile customers are automatically included in coverage areas if their plan supports it. Check with T-Mobile for availability and plan details.

Q: What phones work?
A: Most modern LTE smartphones should workno special antennas or hardware needed. A clear view of the sky is key.

Q: What does it cost?
A: Pricing varies by plan. Basic satellite texting may be bundled at no extra charge, while data and voice could be add-ons once they launch.

Q: Where does it work?
A: Right now, coverage is rolling out across the U.S. Global expansion depends on deals with international carriers.

Q: What can I do today?
A: Send and receive SMS texts when youre outside normal tower coverage.

Q: Whats coming soon?
A: Limited data service is slated for October 2025, with voice calling expected later.

Consumer Caution

• Dont ditch your cell plan. Starlink Direct-to-Cell is a backup, not a replacement for regular LTE/5G service.

• Performance is limited. Expect delays, slower speeds, and fewer features compared to standard coverage.

• Sky matters. Heavy tree cover, buildings, or canyons can block your signal.

• Early days. Right now its mostly for textingdata and voice are still in rollout.

The two sides are locked in a distribution dispute and face a Sept. 30 deadline

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• NBCUniversal has publicly warned that its channels may be dropped from YouTube TV if the two sides fail to reach a new distribution deal by September 30, 2025

• The core of the dispute lies in YouTube TVs demand for lower carriage fees and access to subscriber data, while NBCU accuses YouTube of trying to undervalue its Peacock streaming service in negotiations

• If a blackout occurs, viewers could lose access to NBCUniversal-owned channels (including NBC, Telemundo, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, and more) and risk missing marquee events like Sunday Night Football and NBA games

NBCUniversal (NBCU) and YouTube TV are locked in a high-stakes carriage dispute. At issue are how much YouTube TV should pay to carry NBCUs portfolio of networks, and under what terms, especially involving subscriber data and bundling of NBCUs own streaming service, Peacock.

The outcome of the standoff will determine whether YouTube TV will continue to access NBCU programming.

NBCU has launched a public pressure campaign, running digital ads warning YouTube TV subscribers they could lose their favorite shows and channels if a deal isnt struck. YouTube TV responded by accusing NBCU of demanding more money than what NBC charges its own direct customers, and pledged a $10 credit for affected subscribers if a blackout lasts an extended period.

With both sides digging in, the question now is how long this standoff can last before serious disruption hits consumers.

What it means for viewers

1. Potential blackouts and lost channels

If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by September 30, numerous NBCU networksincluding NBC, Telemundo, USA, CNBC, MSNBC, and regional sports networkscould disappear from YouTube TVs lineup.

2. Missing big-ticket sports events

A blackout during the fall would have serious implications for sports fans. Sunday Night Football, college football matchups, and early NBA preseason games all depend on NBCs distribution.

3. Switching costs, frustration and fragmentation

If NBCUs content vanishes from YouTube TV, some viewers may need multiple apps (e.g. Peacock + YouTube TV) to replicate their current lineups. That adds complexity and potential extra cost.

4. Leverage shifts in the streaming world

YouTube TV is increasingly seen as a major player in television distributionwith over 8 million subscribers.This dispute could test whether tech-platforms truly command bargaining power over legacy networks.

5. Consumer credit and remedies

YouTube TV promises credits for users if NBCUs content remains unavailable for a long period. That said, a credit doesnt fully substitute for lost access to must-see live events.

In most of these standoffs, there is a last-minute deal. In many past carriage disputes, parties have struck last-minute extensions or compromises to avert blackouts. Both sides have an incentive to avoid impact to viewers, since that could draw the attention of regulators.

As the September 30 deadline looms, many viewers will be monitoring updates closely, especially sports fans. The longer this dispute goes unresolved, the greater the risk that some high-demand content simply disappears from YouTube TV.

The move saves the platform after Congress voted to ban it

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• President Trump signs an executive order to bring TikTok under U.S. control.

• Move aims to address national security concerns over data privacy and foreign influence.

• Users may see changes in ownership, but little immediate impact on daily app use.

Nearly a year and a half after Congress passed a law banning TikTok in the U.S., President Trump has signed an executive order saving the social media platform. The order, worked out with the Chinese government, places the video-sharing platform owned by Chinas ByteDance under U.S. control.

The directive represents one of the most aggressive attempts yet by Washington to rein in foreign-owned technology platforms that operate in the United States.

For years, TikTok has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators who warn that its Chinese ownership could allow the Chinese government to access American user data or influence cultural and political discourse. The administration has positioned the executive order as a necessary safeguard to protect U.S. national security.

By bringing the app under American ownership, officials argue, data collected from millions of U.S. users would remain on domestic soil and subject to stricter privacy and oversight standards.

What this means for TikTok users

For now, TikTok users are unlikely to notice immediate changes. The platforms short-form videos, creators, and content will continue to function as usual.

However, behind the scenes, negotiations are expected to accelerate as U.S. companies weigh bids to acquire or partner with TikToks American operations. If the transition occurs smoothly, users may see new branding, stronger privacy disclosures, and potentially tighter moderation policies aimed at ensuring compliance with U.S. law.

Analysts caution that the deal could still face legal challenges, both from ByteDance and from civil liberties groups concerned about government overreach. Still, the administration insists that ownership transfer is the only way to eliminate the risk of foreign control over such a widely used app.

The executive order shows the growing friction between the U.S. and China over technology, data, and digital influence. Similar steps could be taken against other foreign-owned platforms operating in the U.S. if they are deemed security risks. The move also sets a precedent: governments may increasingly treat digital platforms not just as businesses, but as strategic assets tied to national security.

For American users, the apps future may ultimately depend less on the videos they watch and more on how power struggles between Washington and Beijing play out. Until then, TikTok will remain on millions of phones but under the shadow of political uncertainty.

Mortgage rates rose this week after several weeks of declines

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. existing-home sales dipped 0.2% in August, holding at a 4.0 million annual pace.

• Regional sales were mixed: Midwest and West posted gains, while the Northeast and South declined.

• Housing prices continued their upward streak, with the national median hitting $422,600.

While sales of newly-built homes surged in August, existing-home sales declined by 0.2%, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.

The modest movement reflects ongoing challenges in affordability and supply, even as mortgage rates eased significantly during the month and more inventory reached the market.

Sales trends varied across the country. The Midwest led the way with a 2.1% increase month-over-month and a 3.2% jump year-over-year, lifted by lower-than-average home prices. The median price in the region was $330,500, 22% below the national median.

The West also saw gains, up 1.4% from July, although sales remained down 1.4% compared to the same period last year. The South and Northeast lagged, with declines of 1.1% and 4.0% month-over-month, respectively.

Relatively affordable conditions in the Midwest made it the best-performing region last month, said Lawrence Yun, NARs chief economist.

Prices continued to rise

Nationally, the median existing-home price rose to $422,600, a 2% increase from August 2024. This marks the 26th consecutive month of year-over-year price growth. Single-family homes carried a median price of $427,800, while condos and co-ops averaged $366,800.

Despite affordability constraints, Yun noted that record-high housing wealth and a record-high stock market could encourage existing homeowners to upgrade, especially in higher-priced markets.

The total housing inventory in August stood at 1.53 million units, down 1.3% from July but up nearly 12% from a year ago. That represents a 4.6-month supply, unchanged month-over-month.

Homes lingered longer on the market, with a median of 31 days to sell, compared with 28 days in July. First-time buyers accounted for 28% of sales, while cash purchasesonce elevatedslipped to 28% from 31% the prior month.

Mortgage rates may be rising again

Homebuyers may face new headwinds as September winds down. Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.30% this week, an increase after several weeks of declines.

Following several weeks of decline, mortgage rates inched up this week, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. Housing market activity continues to hold up with purchase and refinance applications increasing by 18% and 42%, respectively, compared to the same time last year.

Latest rates

The 30-year FRM averaged 6.30% as of September 25, 2025, up from last week when it averaged 6.26%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.08%.

The 15-year FRM averaged 5.49%, up from last week when it averaged 5.41%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.16%.