We’ve talked about this now for some time. First when Telstra looked at “5G Advanced” a few years ago at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, then when Optus did a deal with SpaceX only to have that deal expire before it even happened, and Telstra came in to take the credit. Well, it’s happened. The first phase of ubiquitous mobile coverage is live today for Telstra customers who can send an SMS from literally anywhere in Australia.
The service, called Telstra Satellite Messaging uses SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite “Direct to Cell” technology which is already being tested in the US by T-Mobile to allow existing handsets to receive a cellular signal via Satellite.
It’s a lot to wrap your head around, but in simple terms, if you’re out of range of a traditional mobile tower, and your phone is showing “No Service”, it will search for Satellites to connect to. This won’t work indoors, but if you’re outside, with the sky in view – you’ll connect.
The phone will show “Telstra SpaceX” as the network, and instead of mobile signal bars, a small satellite image will appear.
For now, the launch is on Samsung Galaxy S25 but it’s clear that more device will be enabled through software updates. If we look at the T-Mobile site – just as a guide – then you can assume some or all of these will at some stage be enabled for Satellite Messaging in Australia:
Eligible Devices on T-Mobile in the USA
Coming Soon to T-Mobile in the USA
It’s unclear as we haven’t tested it (as it’s not available yet) how this Satellite Messaging interacts or overpowers the Apple SOS Satellite Emergency Service which is also available when out of range – that’s something we’ll look into.
Importantly, for now anyway, this is not an extra cost, it’s included on all “Telstra Upfront Plans”, but there’s no question it’s possible it will be a paid extra on top of your plan in the future – so don’t rule that out.
At launch, this is a pure SMS service, you cannot WhatsApp or Messenger anyone, and you certainly can’t call.
It’s planned that Phone service and Data will follow, though we expect that to come in that order, and not until 2026 at least.
This is a huge advance in telecommunications in Australia, no question, and is a first step to literally 100% coverage, ironic given the debate in just the last week about Telstra’s Coverage Claims.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is available today, only on Samsung Galaxy S25 – with more devices to follow.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
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