No special set up, gear or extra fees
Compatible devices on eligible plans will automatically seek a satellite connection once beyond our mobile network.
How Telstra Satellite Messaging works
Complements our mobile network
Satellite-to-mobile technology supports text messaging across most parts of Aus where our mobile network coverage is unavailable.
Uses your phone’s text app
When connected to a satellite, text messages can be sent and received via a phone's standard messaging app.
Important: Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service. This is because it supports text messaging only and you can’t text Triple Zero directly.
Available in most outdoor areas in Australia with a clear line of sight to the sky, excluding the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in WA and remote offshore territories and islands. Experience may differ from a standard mobile service.
How to use Telstra Satellite Messaging
-
Check compatibility
You’ll need a compatible mobile with the latest software and a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan.
-
Go outside
When beyond our mobile network make sure you have a clear line of sight to the sky.
-
Check signal
When the phone is connected to a satellite, it will display 'Telstra SpaceX’ on the network banner.
-
Send your text
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.
Mobile phone compatibility
See which mobile phones are compatible with Telstra Satellite Messaging.
Telstra Satellite Messaging FAQs
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.
How to get Telstra Satellite Messaging
Telstra Satellite Messaging is included on Consumer and Small Business Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans. You also need a compatible phone with the latest software.
It's included in all Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans, so there is no separate charge for sending texts via satellite.
Telstra Satellite Messaging coverage
Telstra Satellite Messaging is available from most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania, and in immediate offshore areas as shown in the map below. It can only be accessed if your compatible phone is beyond the reach of our mobile network, if you are outdoors, and if you have a clear line of sight to the sky.
But there are a few places where it won’t work. There is no Telstra Satellite Messaging coverage in the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia, north-east of Geraldton or in the remote offshore territories and islands of Australia.
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.
No, they are different.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is included in Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans and is available on compatible mobile phones with the latest software.
On the other hand, Telstra Mobile Satellite requires an approved Iridium-certified handset and a separate 10-digit number starting with 01471.
Telstra Mobile Satellite can be used for calls and data, but Telstra Satellite Messaging can only be used to send and receive text messages.
Telstra Satellite Messaging and Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite are two different services and use distinct satellite constellations.
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite is available on iPhone 14 or later (all models) and can be used to text emergency services when you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. For more information, please visit Apple emergency support.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is enabled by Starlink Direct to Cell and complements the Telstra Mobile Network to allow Telstra customers with a compatible device with the latest software, and Upfront Mobile Plan to send and receive texts from most areas of mainland Australia. It is not designed to be an emergency service, as you cannot text Triple Zero (000) directly from Telstra Satellite Messaging.
Telstra Satellite Messaging
To use Telstra Satellite Messaging, you need:
- a compatible phone with the latest software,
- a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan, and
- to be located outdoors within the satellite network with a clear view of the sky.
The satellite network will extend beyond the range of our mobile network to 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.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service, as you cannot text Triple Zero (000) directly. If you intend to visit remote regions, it is always recommended to plan ahead and take extra precautions in the case of an emergency.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is an intermittent service, so the experience of sending and receiving a message is different than via mobile connection. 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.
Telstra Satellite Messaging cannot be used to:
- receive one-way messages (such as emergency broadcast messages)
- send or receive MMS
- send or receive instant messages that require the internet such as WhatsApp messages
- make or receive voice or video calls
- access data
- send or receive messages when you are overseas
Questions about Telstra mobile?
My Telstra app
View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.
Support
More information about Telstra Satellite Messaging can be found in our support section.
Send us a message
Questions about Telstra Satellite Messaging? Get in touch and we’ll help you as soon as we can.
Contact us
We're here to answer your questions.