Telstra just months away from offering satellite text messaging to Aussies via Starlink
Telstra's live SMS trial brings it closer to offering satellite-to-mobile messaging services in regional Australia.
Earlier this year, Telstra announced it was teaming up with Starlink to use SpaceX's technology to connect Aussies in remote areas.
Since April, it has sent more than 55,000 text messages using Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Around 500+ of these were sent during a live trial in areas beyond Telstra's mobile network coverage, including parts of NT, WA, QLD and NSW. The types of text messages sent include GPS coordinates and emojis.
Areas excluded include the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands.
I'm a Telstra customer or might be one in the future. What do I need to know?
Some details are still scarce, but here's what we know so far:
- If you end up outside of Telstra's network range, your smartphone will automatically try to seek a satellite connection, as long as there's a clear view of the sky.
- The other caveat is that you need a compatible phone. While we don't have an exhaustive list, the technology should work with most modern smartphones.
- It could take a few minutes to send and receive a message.
- Since satellite-to-mobile relies on passing satellites, the connection can drop out briefly. But as the tech matures, the telco giant expects messaging to become more reliable and potentially support low-speed data use and calls.
- It's not designed to be used as an emergency service. You can't text Australian emergency responders directly.
- Details on customer eligibility will only be available when the service launches.
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Is there a launch date for Telstra's satellite-to-mobile messaging service?
No exact date has been announced yet, but Telstra confirms it's expecting to launch to customers in the coming months.
"The availability of satellite to mobile technology does not change our commitment to continue enhancing our mobile network to meet the growing demands and increasing data usage of our customers, which includes our continued rollout of 5G," Telstra stated on its website blog.
We will continue this investment to improve our mobile network, while exploring how satellite technology can play a role in remote areas of the country not covered by land-based coverage.
Where are TPG/Vodafone and Optus with their trials?
Both TPG and Optus have plans to launch similar products.
Optus was meant to launch its service last year via Starlink, but according to The Australian, it's been delayed due to regulatory hurdles.
TPG (Vodafone's parent company) has a partnership deal with US satellite company Lynk Global to help deliver basic voice, text and data services to cover gaps in very remote locations.
Trials are underway as of this year, and it has successfully sent its first direct-to-smartphone text message.
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