In Australia, many residents in urban and densely populated regional areas often overlook the limitations of mobile coverage outside these regions. Reports suggest that only about 25-30 per cent of the country enjoys reliable mobile service. However, on the horizon is an innovative development as Telstra launches its “Telstra Satellite Messaging” service. This new technology enables standard mobile phones to connect to Telstra’s network through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system.
With the recent launch of advanced Starlink satellites equipped with “direct to cell” capabilities over Australia, Telstra has initiated this service after months of testing. Notably, while Optus first struck a deal with SpaceX, delays in certification allowed Telstra to seize the opportunity. Additionally, Vodafone is currently experimenting with similar technology via a different satellite provider.
The Telstra service currently supports only SMS messaging and is exclusively compatible with the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 that has updated software. In contrast, in the USA, T-Mobile is testing this technology across various devices, including older models of Samsung phones and iPhones from the past few years.
When in an area where Telstra’s traditional coverage is unavailable, a Telstra customer can still send SMS messages as long as their phone has a clear line of sight to the sky. The device will connect to “Telstra SpaceX”, displaying a satellite icon in the signal strength indicator. While this feature provides remarkable coverage for sending messages to any mobile number in Australia, it is important to note that it does not allow for emergency calls or provide internet access yet.
Looking ahead, Telstra plans to expand capabilities to include voice calls and data access by around 2026, though the latter is expected to be limited to messaging applications due to slower speeds. This service marks a significant advancement in communication for Australia, considering its vast and sparsely populated landscapes, offering residents in remote areas a new level of connectivity with family and friends, no matter where they are.