• Satellite to Mobile (STM) connectivity expands from text to selected apps

    From today (28/07/26), eligible Telstra customers can now access a range of Select Satellite Apps, including navigation, messaging and weather apps, when connected to  satellite and beyond the range of our mobile network.

     

    Following the launch of satellite messaging in June 2025, this Australian first capability provides eligible customers with an additional connectivity option, particularly in regional and remote areas across the country.

     

    It means simple but important moments – like checking directions, keeping an eye on the weather or messaging friends and family in the group chat – are now possible in areas beyond the reach of Telstra’s mobile network.

     

    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 the My Telstra app

     

    What to expect from a satellite to mobile experience:

    • Satellite to mobile technology complements Telstra’s mobile network, adding another layer of connectivity. Eligible Telstra customers with compatible mobile devices and plans will automatically seek to switch to satellite for select apps and messaging when connected to satellite, out of range of the mobile network and have a clear view of the sky
    • As the technology is low capacity and intermittent it means that some actions – like sending and receiving messages or loading maps – can take longer to complete than on the mobile network. This technology works differently to the mobile network, so experiences can also vary depending on things like location, latitude, the environment and the position of satellites overhead
    • Background activity (like auto-syncing or refreshing feeds) may pause. Because Select Satellite Apps are optimised to use less data, overall app experiences may be more basic than on the mobile network and some functionality may not be available
    • While audio and video calling functionality remains available on some messaging apps (such as WhatsApp) when the device is on STM, 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

     

    Australia’s size and geography mean there will always be places where traditional mobile coverage doesn’t reach. That’s why we’re continuing to explore new technologies that can help keep Australians connected in more places.

     

    You can find more information at Select Satellite Apps are now available on Telstra Satellite to Mobile devices TEX Blog.