T-Mobile Adds Live Translation to Phone Calls

T-Mobile is adding a new feature called Live Translation that can translate phone calls in real time. It works in over 50 languages and is built right into the phone network, so you don't need a special app. This service will start as a test soon for some customers.
By Newsroom | Technology, Mobile |

T-Mobile is introducing a new service called Live Translation, aiming to enhance voice communication by embedding artificial intelligence directly into its wireless network. This feature promises real-time translation for phone calls in over 50 languages, without requiring separate applications.

T-Mobile's Live Translation AI Agent Will Be Baked Into Your Phone Calls - 1

T-Mobile's move to integrate AI for live call translation marks a significant step in its strategy to revive the prominence of voice calls. The service, named Live Translation, is designed to function natively within the T-Mobile network. This approach aims to provide a seamless experience for users, particularly those who frequently travel internationally or belong to multilingual households. The service is set to enter a beta phase this spring, with registration opening for eligible T-Mobile customers.

T-Mobile's Live Translation AI Agent Will Be Baked Into Your Phone Calls - 2

Network-Integrated AI Translation

T-Mobile's Live Translation is presented as a groundbreaking, network-integrated AI platform. This means the translation technology is built directly into the carrier's infrastructure, rather than relying on individual apps installed on user devices.

Read More: Amazon Prime Was Faster and Saved People Money in 2025

T-Mobile's Live Translation AI Agent Will Be Baked Into Your Phone Calls - 3

  • Core Functionality: The service enables real-time translation during phone conversations.

  • Language Support: It supports over 50 languages.

  • Activation: To initiate live translation during a call, a T-Mobile subscriber dials *87* (star-eight-seven-star).

  • Network Dependency: The feature operates over Voice over LTE (VoLTE), VoNR, and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) connections. A strong Voice over LTE (VoLTE) connection is highlighted as a key requirement for reliable operation across various devices and network conditions.

  • Target Audience: T-Mobile is specifically targeting multilingual households, frequent international travelers, and customers who utilize international roaming.

Operational Details and Privacy Concerns

The implementation of Live Translation involves AI agents actively listening to conversations. T-Mobile has stated that call recordings and transcripts will not be saved by the service. However, questions persist regarding the extent of data retained by T-Mobile for the AI to process during these calls.

Read More: New iPhone 18 Details: What We Might See

T-Mobile's Live Translation AI Agent Will Be Baked Into Your Phone Calls - 4

  • Activation Requirement: At least one party on the call must be a T-Mobile customer using the 5G network.

  • Data Handling: T-Mobile states that it does not save call recordings or transcripts generated by the Live Translation feature.

  • Data Retention Inquiry: The exact amount of data T-Mobile retains from calls requiring AI listening is not fully detailed in their press materials.

Competitive Landscape and Alternatives

T-Mobile's Live Translation enters a market with existing third-party translation applications and built-in AI features from other major tech companies. Some competitors offer offline translation capabilities, which may appeal to users seeking alternatives that do not rely on constant network connectivity.

  • Third-Party Apps: Services like SpeakLink offer real-time AI voice translation for phone calls, accessible via web browsers. These often require users to set languages before making a call.

  • On-Device AI: Companies like Apple (with iOS 26 updates) and Samsung (with Galaxy AI) are also integrating AI-powered translation features. Some of these, like certain Google and Apple AI functionalities, can operate offline using models stored directly on the device.

  • User Experience: Early comparisons suggest varying user experiences; for instance, Galaxy AI's Live Translate did not allow scrolling through transcripts during active calls in one observed test.

Beta Launch and Future Outlook

T-Mobile plans to launch the Live Translation service in a beta phase this spring. This initial rollout will allow eligible customers to test the feature and provide feedback.

Read More: Why Some Programmers Choose Special Languages

  • Beta Registration: Open starting today for eligible T-Mobile customers.

  • Official Launch: Planned for this spring.

  • Technological Basis: The service is built on an agentic AI platform integrated into the wireless network.

Sources:

Read More:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is T-Mobile's Live Translation?
It is a new service that translates phone calls into different languages as you talk.
Q: How many languages does it support?
It supports over 50 languages.
Q: Do I need an app for this?
No, the translation is built into the T-Mobile network, so you don't need a separate app.
Q: When can I use it?
It will be in a test phase this spring, and T-Mobile is opening sign-ups for eligible customers soon.
Q: How does it work?
You dial a special code during a call to start the translation. It works on T-Mobile's network.