Mobiles & Plans

Satellite


Overview


Man talking using Mobile Satellite and dog

Telstra Mobile Satellite is a mobile phone solution which uses unique Iridium™ Satellite technology to deliver a portable voice and data phone service in the remotest locations around Australia1.

The developers of the Iridium Satellite System used the familiar GSM mobile network as the model for their satellite network therefore physically, a Telstra Mobile Satellite handset looks and works like a terrestrial mobile phone, except it is slightly bigger with more powerful batteries. The coverage area serviced by the 66 orbiting Iridium satellites is virtually Australia wide.

Telstra has designed a range of access plans from which you can choose and the Iridium designed handsets come with a wide range of useful accessories to make calling from a vehicle, boat, or on foot, as simple and convenient as possible.

Handset Subsidy

Before buying a handset, it is worth checking your eligibility for a handset subsidy which is available to people who live, work or operate a business in an area not served by the terrestrial Next G™ network or GSM mobile networks.

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to help people living or working in the most remote parts of Australia purchase satellite mobile phones.

Telstra Shops and Telstra Mobile Satellite dealers have details of the schemes and can assist you with additional information and contacts.

Please note the application for the government subsidy must be made before you purchase your handset.

Permanent Installations

Telstra Mobile Satellite terminal

While Telstra Mobile Satellite is primarily used for handheld communications in the field, there is also a versatile desk top unit available that is suitable for permanent fixed installation. This unit is ideal for marine, mining or telemetry applications where connectivity rather than portability is required.

The Telstra Mobile Satellite fixed desk top unit has a number of sockets making it simple to configure when connecting a laptop or PC for data applications or when connecting a desktop phone handset (including cordless) for more comfort and ease of use.

For more information, click on the link below to download a detailed product sheet.

Remote Satellite Terminal RST100 (PDF, 198KB)

Things you need to know
  1. Where there is a clear, wide direct line of sight between your handset and the sky. The quality of service may be affected by things such as the atmosphere, environment and surrounds, including where there is a narrow view of the sky due to things such as thick canopy cover, being in a narrow gorge or between dense tall buildings. "Australia" includes up to 200 nautical miles out to sea and all Australian external territories except Antarctica.

© 2002 Iridium Satellite LLC

Read the Terms and Conditions for Telstra Mobile Satellite (PDF, 108KB)

Features


Satellite Phone
  • Direct dial access to Australian and International numbers.
  • Domestic rates are charged for calls made from, and to, destinations up to 200 nautical miles out to sea.
  • The Iridium 9555 handset has a personal handsfree and also comes with an accessory package including a magnetic externally mounted vehicle antenna, AC travel charger, high capacity battery, leather carry case, USB data cable and vehicle power adaptor.
  • Choice of 6 monthly access plans (5 individual service plans and 1 Group Plan) all with included calls.
  • Simplified dialling for calls from and to Australia (just dial the number including the STD code). You do not need to dial international access codes or country codes for calls placed from and to Australia.
  • Telstra Mobile Satellite has direct dialling access to 000 and 112 emergency calls within Australia.
  • Anyone in Australia can call your Telstra Mobile Satellite service direct by simply dialling your 01471 prefixed number.
  • Free access number for support from your Telstra Mobile Satellite handset from most places in the world¹. Just dial 125 135.
  • No charge to receive calls, in most places in the world¹.
  • Telstra Mobile Satellite gives you the flexibility to pay your account over the phone, by post, on the internet or by BillPay. You can also pay in cash at a post office or at a Telstra or T[life] Shop.
  • Telstra Mobile Satellite accounts are billed in Australian dollars and on a GST compatible invoice so there are no conversions from foreign currencies required or concerns about obtaining suitable Australian GST documentation.
  • Memo on-call 24x7 receptionist service available on your Telstra Mobile Satellite phone
  • Most 1800,13,1300 numbers are available from your Telstra Mobile Satellite handset.
  • Calling Number Display is now available from supported handsets.

Mobile Repayment Option

You can pay off part of the balance of the Iridium handset using our Mobile Repayment Option. Select the "Access Plans" tab above to find out more.

Data Applications

Telstra Mobile Satellite is able to support two types of data access for users within Australia. It is particularly useful for people working in analytical professions such as geology, mining and exploration.

  1. Dial-Up Data Service offers a data rate of up to 2.4 Kbps. You will be able to use Dial-Up Data service just as you would use the modem on your computer to dial a call through the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
    You must request to have data access on your Telstra Mobile Satellite service at an additional cost.
  2. Direct Internet Data Service provides connectivity from a PC, through your Telstra Mobile Satellite phone, directly to the Internet through dedicated servers at the Iridium gateway. This service utilises transparent compression, resulting in a data rate that can be higher than 2.8kbps, depending on content. Graphics and images will result in lower throughput.
    This service is recommended for Internet browsing only. It is not suitable for remote access of corporate LANs.
Things you need to know
  1. Iridium Satellite LLC is prohibited from providing products and service to some countries. At present these include (and are subject to change): Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Poland. Therefore, use of your Telstra Mobile Satellite phone in some countries may be illegal.

Read the Terms and Conditions for Telstra Mobile Satellite (PDF, 108KB)

Iridium Technology


The Iridium constellation consists of 66 operational satellites and 13 spares orbiting in a constellation of six polar planes. Each plane has 11 mission satellites performing as nodes in the telephony network. The 13 additional satellites orbit as spares ready to replace any unserviceable satellite. This constellation ensures that every region on the globe¹ is covered by at least one satellite at all times.

The satellites are in a near-polar orbit at an altitude of 780 km. They circle the earth once every 100 minutes travelling at a rate of 26,931 kilometres per hour. Each satellite is cross-linked to four other satellites; two satellites in the same orbital plane and two in an adjacent plane.

The Iridium ground network is comprised of the System Control Segment and telephony gateways which are used to connect into the terrestrial telephone system.

Things you need to know
  1. Iridium Satellite LLC is prohibited from providing products and service to some countries. At present these include (and are subject to change): Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Poland. Therefore, use of your Telstra Mobile Satellite phone in some countries may be illegal.

Products

Iridium 9555 PackageIridium 9555 package

This $1695 (GST incl.) package includes:

  • Iridium 9555 Handset
  • High Capacity Battery
  • Personal Handsfree
  • USB Data Cable
  • Leather Case
  • Iridium Portable Auxilary Antenna and Adaptor
  • AC Charger with International Plug Kit
  • Iridium DC Car Charger

Minimum cost is $2,415 based on the $30 Telstra Mobile Satellite Plan

Iridium™ Portable Auxilary Antenna

The magnetic mount antenna improves in-vehicle satellite reception and is pocket size with 1.2 metres of cabling so it can be easily moved from one vehicle to another. A larger version with fixed or magnetic mounting options is also available for permanent installation.

AC Charger with International Plug Kit

For rapid charges or to power the handset while charging battery.

Iridium™ DC Car Charger

The simple way to charge or power your handset using vehicle cigarette lighter outlet.

Fixed Terminals

RST100 - $3695 (GST incl.)

RST100 Iridium fixed terminal
  • Connect to PBX / Standard Phones
  • Iridium Voice and Data Services
  • SMS / SMSMO
  • SMS POTS Capable
  • Secure SIM Card Enclosure
  • Supports Intelligent Handsets
  • Remote or Local Master Reset
  • Local and Remote Configuration
  • External Ringer available
  • Supports Back up Battery / Solar
  • Incorporates Call Logging
  • Optional In-Vehicle Handsfree Kit
  • Fully Certified

RST620 - $3695 (GST incl.)

RST620 Iridium fixed terminal
  • Compact Easy to Use Handset
  • Data Communications Port
  • Supports Horn Alert / Radio Mute
  • Supports Voice and Data Services
  • Full Duplex Hands-free Operation
  • Handset For Private Calls
  • Echo Cancellation
  • Stereo Integration Possible
  • Supports 11-32VDC Power Input
  • Convenient Installation

Iridium Satdock Carkits

Iridium Satdock Carkit with Bull Mount Antenna $1525 (GST incl.)

Iridium Satdock Carkit iwth Bull Mount Antenna
  • 2 year Replacement Guarantee on cradle
  • Install antenna, microphone and speaker in a convenient location within the vehicle
  • Voice services are easily accessed
  • Data services available using USB connector
  • Purpose built to support the Iridium 9555 phone
  • Charges 9555 battery whilst in the cradle
  • Superior Echo cancellation technology
  • Enables connection to Horn alert
  • Bull bar mountable antenna with 5 m of cable included

Iridium Satdock Carkit with Mast Mount Antenna $1495 (GST incl.)

Iridium Satdock Carket with Accessories
  • 2 year Replacement Guarantee on cradle
  • Install antenna, microphone and speaker in a convenient location, within the vehicle
  • Voice services are easily accessed
  • Data services available using USB connector
  • Purpose built to support the Iridium 9555 phone
  • Charges 9555 battery whilst in the cradle
  • Superior Echo cancellation technology
  • Enables connection to Horn alert
  • Mast mount helix antenna with 6 m of cable included

Telstra has a full range of accessories to complement your Telstra Mobile Satellite experience including data kits, solar chargers, antennas, in-vehicle handsfree kits and many more. Visit your local Telstra or T[life] Shop or Telstra Mobile Satellite Dealer. To find your nearest dealer call 1800 632 995 or for your nearest Telstra or T[life] Shop visit our Telstra Shop Locator.

Access Plans

Mobile Repayment Option

Telstra's Mobile Repayment Option (MRO) gives you an easy way to purchase a Telstra Mobile Satellite phone, when you connect to any of the 24-month service plans.

Here's how it works. Simply decide to defer payment of some of the $1695 price of your new Iridium 9555 handset and Telstra will pay this amount upfront on your behalf.

During the contract term you will need to repay the deferred amount in equal monthly instalments. Your MRO repayments are in addition to your Telstra Mobile Satellite plan monthly fees and call charges. If your Telstra Mobile Satellite service is cancelled early, you have to pay any remaining amounts owed under your MRO agreement in addition to any Early Termination charges on your Telstra Mobile Satellite service plan.


Telstra Mobile Satellite Pricing TMS 30 TMS 50 TMS 80
Monthly access fee $30 $50 $80
Minimum cost for a 24 month contract including a Iridium 9555 handset (excluding usage charges) $2415 $2895 $3615
Minimum cost for a 24 month contract (excluding usage charges upfront handset cost & any MRO repayments). Incl GST $720 $1200 $1920
Value of calls included with your access fee¹ $10 $20 $50
Monthly data access fee (additional) $24.95 $24.95 No charge
Call connection charge $0.50 $0.45 $0.40
Calls made from within Australia to a fixed or mobile service within Australia or made to another Telstra Mobile Satellite service located within or outside Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $0.99 $0.65 $0.50
Calls made from within Australia to a fixed or mobile service located outside Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $1.175 $1.175 $1.175
Calls made from outside Australia to a fixed or mobile service within Australia or made to another Telstra Mobile Satellite service located within or outside Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $1.07
(excl GST)
$1.07
(excl GST)
$1.07
(excl GST)
Incoming calls diverted directly to or retrieved from a Telstra MessageBank® or Telstra Memo® service within Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $0.43 $0.43 $0.43
SMS - 160 character per message $1.50 $1.00 $0.85
Telstra Mobile Satellite Pricing Plans TMS 125 TMS Group² TMS Data Only³
Monthly access fee $125 $150 (minimum) $185
Minimum cost for a 24 month contract including a Iridium 9555 handset (excluding usage charges) $4695 N/A $6135
Minimum cost for a 24 month contract (excluding usage charges upfront handset cost & any MRO repayments). Incl GST $3000 $4400
Value of calls included with your access fee¹ $85 Varies based on individual service plans $150
Monthly data access fee (additional) No charge Depends on individual service plans No Charge
Call connection charge $0.30 $0.40 N/A
Calls made from within Australia to a fixed or Mobile service within Australia or made to another Telstra mobile Satellite service located within or outside Australia (per 30 sec or part) $0.43 $0.50 $0.43
Calls made from within Australia to a fixed or mobile service located outside Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $1.175 $1.175 $1.175
Calls made from outside Australia to a fixed or mobile service within Australia or made to another Telstra Mobile Satellite service located within or outside Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $1.07
(excl GST)
$1.07
(excl GST)
$1.07
(excl GST)
Incoming calls diverted directly to or retrieved from a Telstra MessageBank or Telstra Memo service within Australia (per 30 seconds or part thereof) $0.43 $0.43 $0.43
SMS - 160 characters per message $0.75 $0.85 $0.75
Things you need to know
  1. Unused calls expire monthly.
  2. To be eligible for the Group Plan a minimum of 2 active services, each on a TMS 30, TMS 50, TMS 80 or TMS 125 plan must be connected on the one Group Plan account. If the total combined monthly access fee of the services on the Group Plan is less than $150, then you will be charged $150 as the monthly access fee for the Group Plan.
  3. There is no voice call capability with the TMS Data Only plan; data calls only can be made.

Read the Terms and Conditions for Telstra Mobile Satellite (PDF, 108KB)

LIMITED OFFER

LIMITED OFFER - ONLY 600 PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Iridium 9555 and Satdock 9555 carkit with bull whip antenna

$2895 (GST incl.) package includes:

  • Iridium 9555 Handset
  • High Capacity Battery
  • Personal Handsfree
  • USB Data Cable
  • Iridium Portable Auxilary Antenna and Adaptor
  • Leather Case
  • AC Charger with International Plug Kit
  • Handsfree interface
  • Speaker and Microphone
  • RAM Universal Mounting Bracket
  • Bull Whip Antenna
  • 5 m cable
  • Iridium DC Car Charger
  • Satdock 9555 carkit

Package is available when you connect to an eligible Telstra Mobile Satellite Plan for 24 months. Review eligible access plans. Minimum cost for a 24 month TMS 30 contract including a Iridium 9555 (excluding usage charges) is $3615 (GST incl.)

Iridium 9555 and Satdock 9555 carkit with bull whip antenna

Apply Now


To find out more about Telstra Mobile Satellite visit your local Telstra or T[life] Shop or Telstra Mobile Satellite Dealer. To find your nearest dealer call 1800 632 995 or for your nearest Telstra or T[life] Shop visit our Telstra Shop Locator. Alternatively you can email us via the below webform.

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