Being able to send or receive a text message from an outdoor location that is beyond the range of a mobile network has always meant that our phones have limited capabilities in the bush - but this is about to change.
As part of our collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell, eligible Telstra customers can enjoy an additional layer of connectivity to share text messages to friends or family when outside the coverage of our mobile network.
The launch follows months of testing and many trials with Telstra’s engineers and employees who have been using the technology right across Australia, including in some of our most remote locations, to check it is working as it should.
As a new technology, satellite to mobile messaging is currently limited to text messaging only but who knows where it will go from there.
To access Telstra Satellite Messaging, you’ll need:
- A compatible mobile device
- The latest software update
- To be on a Telstra Upfront Mobile plan (or equivalent Business mobile plan)
Then, when you’re out of reach of Telstra’s mobile network and as long as you’re outdoors with a direct line of sight to the sky, your mobile will automatically seek a satellite connection and once connected, you’ll be able to send a text message to friends and family.
For more info click here.