A first for Australia: satellite to mobile connectivity expands from text to apps
Telstra is among the first telcos globally to expand satellite to mobile services beyond text messaging. Eligible Telstra customers can now use a compatible device to access select apps like Apple Weather, Google Maps and Google Weather and WhatsApp in more places across the country.
Last year, we became the first Australian telco to launch Satellite Messaging, helping eligible customers send and receive text messages beyond the range of our mobile network. Today, we're taking the next step by rolling out access to Select Satellite Apps.
In an Australian first, as part of our collaboration with Starlink, eligible customers can now use a selection of satellite-optimised apps on compatible mobile devices when connected to Telstra Satellite and with a clear line of sight to the sky.
It means simple but important moments – like checking directions, staying informed or messaging friends and family in the group chat – are now possible in areas beyond the reach of Telstra's mobile network. It's a handy way to connect in more places across Australia.
What are Select Satellite Apps?
Select Satellite Apps gives eligible customers access to a limited range of apps with lighter capabilities, including navigation, weather, messaging, light social and fitness apps.
Supported apps currently include:
- Navigation apps, including Apple Maps, Google Maps, and AllTrails;
- Messaging apps, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal and Google Messages;
- Weather apps, including Apple's Weather app, AccuWeather, and Google Weather;
- Google Fitness, and of course, the My Telstra app
It's designed to offer another way to connect beyond our mobile network - not a replacement for the mobile network itself.
Why do some apps work over satellite and others don't?
Satellite connectivity works differently to 4G and 5G mobile networks. Because satellite capacity is more limited and can be intermittent, Select Satellite Apps are designed to support practical, light data activities like navigation, messaging and weather updates. Not all apps are ready to work over satellite connectivity today – their developers need to enable and optimise them for satellite use, which is why only a selection of apps are currently supported.
As a result, some actions – like sending and receiving messages or loading maps – may take longer than on our mobile network. Performance can vary depending on factors such as location, environment, latitude and satellite position. Not all app features may be available when using satellite connectivity.
How does it work?
Select Satellite Apps are available to eligible Telstra customers when they are beyond the range of our mobile network and connected via satellite. A compatible device will automatically seek to connect to a satellite, provided the user is outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
If the device has the latest software installed, there's nothing extra you need to do. Before heading beyond mobile coverage, make sure any apps you want to use are installed, up to date and you're logged in. You won't be able to download new apps or updates once you're outside of mobile coverage.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is currently available via iMessage on compatible iPhone models, and SMS and RCS on supported Samsung and Google Pixel devices. Access to Select Satellite Apps is available to customers on eligible Upfront Mobile and Telstra Business Mobile plans with supported devices, including:
- Samsung Galaxy S26 device family
- iPhone 13 or newer
Additional devices will become compatible over time, with the latest list of supported devices available at our Satellite to Mobile hub.
While audio and video calling functionality remains available on some messaging apps (such as WhatsApp) when the device is on Telstra Satellite, Select Satellite Apps is not designed for real-time and high-speed applications. Any ability to access these features will be intermittent and should not be relied upon as performance is likely to be inconsistent and dependent on location and other conditions.
It's important to remember that in Australia, app-based communication services, such as WhatsApp and similar messaging applications do not support calls to Triple Zero. This limitation applies regardless of whether the app is being used on a home Wi-Fi network, on a mobile network or via satellite to mobile connectivity.
How are Australians using satellite messaging?
Since launching Telstra Satellite Messaging just over 13 months ago, Australians have increasingly turned to satellite technology to connect beyond our mobile network.
By the numbers:
- 📱 26 million+ texts have been sent or received using Telstra Satellite Messaging
- 📈 200,000+ daily connections on average connect to Telstra satellite to mobile connectivity every day, up from around 80,000 at launch
- 🛰️ 2.9 million+ users connected via satellite using a compatible device over the past 13 months in places beyond our mobile network
- 🚗 Peak usage occurs during weekends and holidays suggesting Australians are using satellite connectivity while travelling, exploring and moving beyond our mobile network
While Satellite Messaging isn't a replacement for our mobile network or a way to access emergency services, over the past year we have seen that it may provide an additional means of communication in some situations – such as natural disasters – where localised network disruptions occur.
During bushfires in Victoria earlier this year, including around Longwood and Harcourt, we saw a three-fold increase in customers connecting to Satellite Messaging after fire damage and power outages impacted parts of our mobile network.
Not a replacement for planning ahead
Starlink's satellite to mobile technology is an exciting step forward, but it is not a replacement for being prepared when heading into regional or remote areas.
Telstra Satellite is not designed to be an emergency service and should not be relied on in an emergency. You cannot call Triple Zero from a Telstra Satellite service, nor can you text Triple Zero directly.
If you're travelling beyond our mobile network, it's still important to plan ahead, tell someone where you're going, carry the right equipment, check conditions and follow local emergency advice.
What's next for Telstra Satellite
The rollout of Select Satellite Apps marks the next step in our satellite to mobile journey, helping eligible customers connect in more places across Australia.
Australia's size and landscape mean there will always be areas beyond the reach of our mobile network. That's why we're continuing to explore new connectivity options for our customers.