Telstra expands Satellite Messaging to Google Pixel devices

The wide expanses of Australia are difficult to blanket with mobile coverage, and the option for satellite connectivity has been embraced by companies like Telstra who have announced today an expanded list of devices they support including Google’s Pixel phones.

Telstra says that from today they will support the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, as well as Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series (not you Pixel 9a) devices.

The move comes on the heels of Telstra launching satellite messaging for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, as well as the iPhone 13 and  above added back in June. 

Customers using any of these compatible devices who find themselves outside of Telstra mobile coverage will now be able to ‘send and receive SMS, RCS and iMessages via the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite network’.

Telstra says that you will need the right account – in this case, one of their ‘UpFront’ plans – which include satellite messaging, and when you try to use it, you’ll need a ‘clear view of the sky’ and once connected you’ll see ‘Telstra SpaceX’ in your network status bar.

While it’s a good way to get information in or out while you’re remote, it can take several minutes to send/receive a message, says Telstra, with the service dependent on device, location and of course how many Starlink satellites are overhead.

Telstra says you should their Satellite network is not designed to be an emergency serviceIt also won’t work everywhere with some remote offshore territories and islands of Australia excluded as well as the WA Radio Quiet Zone (ARQZWA). What’s that? It’s an area in WA surrounding the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. 

It is a cool addition though for Telstra Pixel owners, so if you have a compatible service give it a whirl next time you’re off the grid.