Connects automatically
Compatible devices on eligible plans will automatically seek a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connection once beyond the range of our mobile network and when located outdoors with a clear line of sight to the sky.
Overview
Connect your team in more places
Our satellite-to-mobile technology can send and receive texts when outside the range of our mobile network.
It's available from most outdoor areas in mainland Australia, Tasmania and the immediate offshore areas with a direct line of sight to the sky. Whether you're coordinating logistics in the outback or checking in with field staff in remote areas, Telstra Satellite Messaging helps keep you connected.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service. It supports text messaging only and you cannot text Triple Zero directly. Eligible plan, add on and compatible mobile required.
Benefits
Keep your business moving with satellite messaging
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Get updates and reply from more places -
Maintain operational continuity -
Keep staff and customers informed
Features
How Telstra Satellite Messaging works
Coverage beyond the mobile network
Satellite-to-mobile technology complements Telstra mobile services by supporting satellite messaging in most parts of mainland Australia.
Uses phone’s text app
The service can send and receive texts via the phone’s text app when connected to a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite. This may take longer than when connected to the Telstra Mobile Network, depending on location, device and satellite position.
Our satellite network is available in most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania, excluding the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia. Not suitable for use in emergencies. Does not support one-way messaging e.g., emergency broadcast messaging.
How it works
How to use Telstra Satellite Messaging
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Check you’re satellite-ready
You need a compatible phone with the latest software, and an eligible Telstra Adaptive Mobility plan with the Satellite Messaging add-on. Check before you leave the Telstra Mobile Network area.
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Go outside and look up
When beyond the range of the Telstra Mobile Network, make sure you have a clear line of sight to the sky. Your view must not be obstructed by things like buildings or vegetation.
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Look for ‘Telstra SpaceX' on your phone
In most parts of Australia, a compatible phone will automatically seek a satellite connection once beyond the range of our mobile network. When the phone is connected to a satellite, it will display 'Telstra SpaceX’ on the network banner.
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Send your text
Now you’re ready to send and receive satellite text messages to standard Australian and international numbers.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is an intermittent service. Some messages may take a few minutes or longer to send and receive, depending on location, device and availability of Starlink Direct to Cell satellites. Does not support one-way messaging e.g., emergency broadcast messaging.
Check if your mobile is compatible
See which devices are ready for use with Telstra Satellite Messaging.
Use cases
Empowering businesses in rural and remote areas
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Transport -
Supply chain -
Mining -
Construction -
Energy
Downloads
Unlock more possibilities with better connectivity
Discover how Telstra Satellite Messaging can help you and your team keep your business moving even when beyond our mobile network.
Why Telstra
Satellite messaging with Telstra
Committed to connectivity
Telstra has long been Australia’s leader in mobile network coverage, and now we’re extending that commitment through satellite technology. Whether you're in the outback or on the move, we help you connect where others can't.
Investing in innovation
Telstra is the first Australian telco to offer a satellite messaging service, powered by Starlink's low-earth orbit network. We’re constantly evolving our technology to meet the needs of our customers.
Expertise in many industries
From mining and logistics to healthcare and government, Telstra's experience across Australia's industries helps us drive innovation. When partnering with Telstra, you're choosing our infrastructure, reliability and expertise to deliver solutions that work.
Getting started
Frequently asked questions
About Telstra Satellite Messaging
Telstra Satellite Messaging lets eligible customers send and receive text messages from their compatible mobile phone via satellite when beyond the range of our mobile network.
Your experience with Telstra Satellite Messaging will be different to the mobile messaging experience. Some messages may take minutes or longer, depending on your location, device, and satellite position. To improve the experience, ensure your messaging app remains open while using Telstra Satellite Messaging.
When you're out of mobile network range, your compatible phone will automatically seek a satellite connection if you're outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Once connected to a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite, the phone will display "Telstra SpaceX" on the network banner.
No, Telstra Satellite Messaging cannot be used to call 000 or 112 Emergency services. Nor can you text Triple Zero (000) directly from Telstra Satellite Messaging.
No. Do not rely on Telstra Satellite Messaging for help in an emergency. SMS is not suitable for warning people about serious risks or asking emergency service organisations to come to someone’s aid.
Apple Emergency SOS via satellite
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature provided by Apple and is available on iPhone 14 or later (all models).
It can be used to attempt to send emergency information via satellite, typically by completing an on-screen questionnaire. Those messages are routed via a third-party emergency response service, which may then contact local emergency services on the user’s behalf.
The feature requires a user to be without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, and is subject to device compatibility, location, satellite availability and service limitations. For more information, please visit Emergency SOS via satellite on apple.com.
Telstra Satellite Messaging
Telstra Satellite Messaging is a non-emergency messaging service enabled by Starlink Direct to Cell. It complements the Telstra Mobile Network by allowing Telstra customers with a compatible device, the latest software, and an Upfront Mobile Plan to send and receive text messages when outside with a direct line of sight to the sky from most areas of mainland Australia.
Telstra Satellite Messaging:
- Supports text messaging only.
- Cannot be used to make calls; and
- Cannot be used to text Australian emergency services (including Triple Zero (000) directly.
When connected, customers will see the Telstra SpaceX network identifier displayed on their device. At this point, they can send text messages to family and friends. Availability depends on satellite coverage, and short gaps may occur between satellite passes, typically resolving within a few minutes.
Telstra Satellite Messaging and Google Pixel’s Satellite SOS are different services designed for different purposes, and they operate independently using different satellite systems.
Google Pixel’s Satellite SOS
Google Pixel’s Satellite SOS feature provided by Google that is designed for emergency use only on supported Pixel devices (currently Pixel 9 and newer devices but excluding 9a.
It can be used to attempt to send emergency information via satellite, typically by completing an on-screen questionnaire. Those messages are routed via a third-party emergency response service, which may then contact local emergency services on the user’s behalf.
The feature requires a user to be without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, and is subject to device compatibility, location, satellite availability and service limitations. More information is available at Get emergency help through satellite with your Pixel phone.
Telstra Satellite Messaging
Telstra Satellite Messaging is a non-emergency messaging service enabled by Starlink Direct to Cell. It complements the Telstra Mobile Network by allowing Telstra customers with a compatible device, the latest software, and an Upfront Mobile Plan to send and receive text messages when outside with a direct line of sight to the sky from most areas of mainland Australia.
Telstra Satellite Messaging:
- Supports text messaging only.
- Cannot be used to make calls; and
- Cannot be used to text Australian emergency services (including Triple Zero (000) directly.
When connected, customers will see the Telstra SpaceX network identifier displayed on their device. At this point, they can send text messages to family and friends. Availability depends on satellite coverage, and short gaps may occur between satellite passes, typically resolving within a few minutes.
You can send text messages and emojis via SMS, and in most cases by iMessage and RCS (Rich Communications System, Enhanced Messaging). GIF and stickers aren’t available at this time.
You’ll be able to see that your message has been sent while you’re on the satellite network, but you won’t receive a notification when your message has been received or read.
Telstra Satellite Messaging via iMessage and RCS is incompatible with some other services or service features (ours or third parties), including some Data Add-Ons (e.g. Accelerator, LANES). In these cases, text messages can only be sent via SMS.
Support
Getting support is easy
Things you need to know
Requirements
Satellite Messaging requires an eligible Telstra Adaptive Mobility plan with the Satellite Messaging add-on, and a compatible device with the latest software update (see the device checker above).
Coverage and availability
Satellite Messaging is available from most outdoor areas in mainland Australia and Tasmania (excluding the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia). To access the service, you will need to be outdoors, out of mobile network range, and have a direct line of sight to the sky. Don’t go outside to use Satellite Messaging if conditions aren’t safe for you to do so. Satellite Messaging is an intermittent service. Satellite Messaging can only be used to send and receive SMS to standard Australian and international numbers. You can’t send or receive MMS or instant messages that require the internet such as WhatsApp, make or receive video or voice calls, access data, or send or receive SMS while overseas. Some messages may take a few minutes or longer to send and receive, depending on location, device and satellite position.
Not for emergency use
Don’t rely on Satellite Messaging for help in an emergency. It can’t be used to call or text Triple Zero (000), doesn’t support one-way messaging such as emergency broadcast messaging, and isn’t suitable for telling or warning people about serious risks or asking emergency services to come to someone’s aid.