11 July 2025
If you’ve ever struggled with mobile connectivity in rural Australia, you’re no stranger to patchy signals, missed messages, and the frustration of isolation. Thankfully, all that is changing.
Powered by SpaceX’s Starlink technology, Telstra’s new satellite messaging service is making remote communication possible for Australians everywhere.
Telstra is once again becoming trusted by millions of users after being fined $1.5 million, and it’s doing this with its partnership with SpaceX, bringing mobile connectivity to rural areas.
The company’s pioneering service is beneficial in two ways.
First, because it leverages SpaceX’s StarLink satellite constellation, the service enables SMS to be delivered to areas previously unreachable by traditional mobile coverage.
Messages are also now able to switch between mobile and satellite networks. All a user has to do is send messages outdoors if indoor signals seem to fail.
There are also compatibility benefits to the new service. Currently, the service supports select devices, including Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series and iPhones 13 to 16.
Telstra is on the move to expand compatibility, especially with devices like Google Pixel hitting Australian shelves.
As a result of Telstra and SpaceX’s collaboration, farmers, remote-area miners, and even hikers can now enjoy improved coverage across a wide selection of Samsung and Apple phones. The benefits are tangible, even if the service only supports text messages.
Of course, there are limitations. For one, message delivery is intermittent, typically taking seconds but occasionally several minutes. For this reason, users must still default to alternative communication methods for critical situations, including 000 calls.
There are numerous positive reviews, especially among early users. Due to broader rural coverage, adoption has been rapid, particularly in sectors like agriculture and resources.
But some of the negative feedback highlights some challenges and areas for improvement. Some users point to delayed delivery times and limited multimedia capabilities. Device compatibility restrictions have also been obstacles for teams using mixed-device environments.
Telstra’s services are bound to expand going forward. Plans will include:
Providers like ACC are slowly bridging some gaps. According to the latest ACCC Broadband report, Starlink already offers impressive internet speeds, averaging around 198 Mbps download.
This development signals strong potential for future satellite-based communications solutions, which are vital for businesses increasingly reliant on robust remote communication.
At VoicePlus, we understand the challenges of managing communication in remote regions.
With our managed mobility services, we’re perfectly positioned to help your organisation integrate Telstra’s satellite messaging service into your broader telecom and mobility strategy.
Whether it’s streamlining device procurement, overseeing compliance, or managing connectivity costs via our telecom expense management platform, we ensure your teams stay reliably connected, no matter how remote their location.
Telstra’s satellite messaging service is a significant leap forward in Australian telecommunications. It's a practical, real-world solution that empowers people and businesses to operate beyond conventional network boundaries.
If your organisation relies on effective communication in remote areas, now is the time to consider how satellite messaging could fit into your strategy.
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