First use of Telstra Satellite Messaging in Australia

After testing and refining the technology over the past months, Telstra has announced the launch of Australia’s first satellite to mobile (STM) text messaging product, Telstra Satellite Messaging.

The following statement was released by Telstra:

“This new capability marks an important milestone and reinforces our commitment to pioneer new connectivity options for Australians, particularly those in our regional and remote areas.

“It means that from today eligible Telstra customers with a compatible device will be able to send and receive text messages via satellite to mobile technology when they are outdoors, beyond the reach of our mobile network and within the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite coverage area, with direct line of sight of the sky.

“For people living, working or travelling in areas without mobile coverage, Telstra Satellite Messaging provides an additional layer of connectivity separate to our mobile network allowing them to get in touch with friends and family when they would otherwise be out of reach.

“Who will benefit?

• Telstra Satellite Messaging will start to become available from today for consumer and small business customers on Telstra month-to-month mobile plans with a Samsung Galaxy S25 series device and the latest software update.

• For eligible customers, Telstra Satellite Messaging will be added to their core plan inclusions – meaning they will be able to send SMS messages via the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite network to standard Australian and International numbers for no additional cost.

“What to expect from Telstra Satellite Messaging

• Telstra Satellite Messaging is currently limited to text messaging only.

• It is an intermittent service – message delivery times may vary depending on location, device, and satellite availability.

• It is not designed to be used for emergency communications and cannot be used to contact Triple Zero (000) emergency services. This is because you cannot text Australian emergency responders (e.g. Triple Zero) directly. The Triple Zero emergency call service can only be accessed by making a phone call.

• The service is being progressively rolled out to eligible customers and will be extended to more devices in the future.

“As we roll out this new capability, we will be continuing to collect feedback, test and refine the service to deliver the best possible experience for our customers.”

For more information on this new service from Telstra, visit telstra.com/satellite-messaging or watch the STM messaging explainer video at It’s landed – Australia’s first satellite to mobile text messaging product for eligible mobile customers.

We will also be updating details on STM technology here as more information becomes available.