• Satellite to Mobile (STM)

    Satellite to Mobile (also referred to as Direct to Cell or Direct to Handset) technology will enable your phone to connect directly to satellites, providing reliable mobile coverage even in the most remote areas. This technology will ensure you can stay connected without relying solely on traditional ground-based phone towers.

    As of now, Satellite to Mobile technology is not yet fully available in Australia. Currently, only emergency text messaging is supported on certain Apple iPhone models that are equipped to connect to satellites. SMS Messaging and voice calls through this technology are still under development and are expected to become available in the future.

  • Find out more about direct to handset (DTH) technology

  • Guide to Satellite to Mobile Technology

    • 1 Understanding the technology and its possibilities

      • How It Works:

        Satellite to Mobile technology uses satellites to relay signals directly to your phone, potentially providing coverage not met by ground-based phone towers. This can help eliminate mobile phone black spots.

        Potential benefits:

          • Enhanced connectivity: Improved communication in rural, regional and remote areas.
          • Emergency services: Critical for safety, ensuring that you can contact emergency services even in isolated locations.
          • Future expansion: As technology advances, it is expected to support voice services, enhancing overall connectivity.
    • 2 Current limitations and availability

      • As of now, Satellite to Mobile technology is not yet fully available in Australia.

        Availability 

        • Apple

        Currently, only emergency text messaging is supported on Apple iPhone 14 or later models with operating system 16.4 or later installed. For further information on how to use this feature visit Apple’s website.

        • Google and Samsung

        Not currently available in Australia.

         

        Development stage

        SMS messaging and voice calls are still in the testing and development phase. Widespread availability is expected within the next few years. Testing is showing a few limitations currently with the technology.

        For example in New Zealand the following has been discovered after the launch of Starlink’s STM partnership with One NZ:

        • only a small number of mobile phone models currently can access the service, with more being added over time.
        • SMS messages will take at least 3 minutes to send. However, at times it may take 10 minutes or longer until more satellites are launched.
        • phones purchased outside of the country (including parallel imports) may not be compatible.

  • Australian Telco's and Starlink STM partnership

    Both Optus and Telstra have signed collaboration agreements with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring this groundbreaking technology to Australia.

    The collaboration will initially focus on testing and refining a Satellite to Mobile text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch.

    Here’s what you need to know about their progress:

      • Project updates:
        • Current Status:  Currently under testing phase in various countries across the world. Starlink has more than 330 satellites that can enable Satellite to Mobile connectivity after launching the first shell of the DTH constellation at the end of 2024.
          • May 2025 – Telstra announced they have been testing and refining it for Australian conditions and since the start of April their engineers have sent more than 55,000 text messages.  A live trial with their Regional Australia team is being conducted in areas outside of Telstra’s mobile network coverage in NT, WA, Qld and NSW.
        • Commercial Launch: No set commercial launch date is currently available for either network. Services for SMS capabilities may become available sometime in 2025.
        • Future Phases: After commercial launch, voice and data services may be introduced as the technology matures and infrastructure is developed.
  • Contact us to escalate your current phone or internet issue.

    Want to know more about new tech? Give us a call!

    Chat to us on our hotline with one of our team members and let’s get the conversation started. If we don’t answer, we’ll get back to you in no time at all. Visit our Contact page to find the best way for you to contact us.