Telstra is launching the first direct-to-satellite text messaging service in Australia that could be a game changer for Australians in mobile black spots.
The mobile-to-satellite service for some Telstra customers will be delivered through SpaceX’s Starlink service.
After testing, the updated service will be rolled out to Telstra customers using a Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy S25 Edge over the coming weeks.
"As part of our collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell, eligible Telstra customers can enjoy an additional layer of connectivity to share text messages to friends or family when outside the coverage of our mobile network,” Tesltra consumer executive Tom Beach said.
"Being able to send or receive a text message from an outdoor location that is beyond the range of our mobile network is a significant step forward and reinforces our commitment to pioneer new connectivity options for Australians."
The service will be at no additional cost to the customer and will enable basic text functions, including emojis. Technology does not yet allow images, voice notes or videos to be sent.
Due to it being a satellite product, text must be outside with a clear line of sight to the sky. It will only work when mobile networks are unavailable.
Telstra was also warned that while some messages send immediately, others take several minutes.
Currently, the service does not allow telephone calls and connection to emergency services. This means users will have to text a third party to call Triple-Zero.
Telstra plans to launch satellite services for Apple, Google and Android users in the future and is working with many different providers to explore satellite activity.
TPG-Vodafone has already tested this service and Optus is working on it as well.
