Telstra Satellite Messaging is powered by satellite-to-mobile technology, an innovation that can send and receive text messages when beyond the range of the Telstra Mobile Network.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is available from most outdoor areas in mainland Australia with a direct line of sight to the sky. The service is included in all Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans and requires a compatible phone with the latest software.
Eligible customers don’t need to switch anything on. Compatible devices will automatically seek a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connection once beyond the range of our mobile network and when located outdoors with a clear line of sight to the sky.
Satellite-to-mobile technology complements Telstra mobile services by supporting Satellite Messaging in most parts of mainland Australia.
The service can send and receive texts via the phone’s text app when connected to a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite. This may take longer than when connected to the Telstra Mobile Network, depending on location, device and satellite position.
Our satellite network is available in most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania, excluding the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia. Not suitable for use in emergencies. Does not support one-way messaging e.g., emergency broadcast messaging.
See which devices are ready for use with Telstra Satellite Messaging.
You need a compatible phone with the latest software and a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan. Check before you leave the Telstra Mobile Network area.
When beyond the range of the Telstra Mobile Network, make sure you have a clear line of sight to the sky. Your view must not be obstructed by things like buildings or vegetation.
In most parts of Australia, a compatible phone will automatically seek a satellite connection once beyond the range of our mobile network. When the phone is connected to a satellite, it will display 'Telstra SpaceX’ on the network banner.
Now you’re ready to send and receive satellite text messages to standard Australian and international numbers.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is an intermittent service. Some messages may take a few minutes or longer to send and receive, depending on location, device and availability of Starlink Direct to Cell satellites. Does not support one-way messaging e.g., emergency broadcast messaging.
Telstra Satellite Messaging lets eligible customers send and receive text messages from their compatible mobile phone via satellite when beyond the range of our mobile network.
Your experience with Telstra Satellite Messaging will be different to the mobile messaging experience. Some messages may take minutes or longer, depending on your location, device, and satellite position. To improve the experience, ensure your messaging app remains open while using Telstra Satellite Messaging.
When you're out of mobile network range, your compatible phone will automatically seek a satellite connection if you're outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Once connected to a Starlink Direct to Cell satellite, the phone will display "Telstra SpaceX" on the network banner.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is included on all Consumer and Small Business Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans. You also need a compatible phone with the latest software.
It's included in all Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans, so there is no separate charge for sending texts via satellite.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is available from most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania, and in immediate offshore areas as shown in the map below. It can only be accessed if your compatible phone is beyond the reach of our mobile network, if you are outdoors, and if you have a clear line of sight to the sky.
But there are a few places where it won’t work. There is no Telstra Satellite Messaging coverage in the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia, north-east of Geraldton or in the remote offshore territories and islands of Australia.
No, Telstra Satellite Messaging cannot be used to call 000 or 112 Emergency services. Nor can you text Australian emergency responders directly.
No. Do not rely on Telstra Satellite Messaging for help in an emergency. SMS is not suitable for warning people about serious risks or asking emergency service organisations to come to someone’s aid.
No, they are different.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is included in Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans and is available on compatible mobile phones with the latest software.
On the other hand, Telstra Mobile Satellite requires an approved Iridium-certified handset and a separate 10-digit number starting with 01471.
Telstra Mobile Satellite can be used for calls and data, but Telstra Satellite Messaging can only be used to send and receive text messages.
Telstra Satellite Messaging and Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite are two different services and use distinct satellite constellations.
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite is available on iPhone 14 or later (all models) and can be used to text emergency services when you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. For more information, please visit Emergency SOS via satellite on apple.com.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is enabled by Starlink Direct to Cell and complements the Telstra Mobile Network to allow Telstra customers with a compatible device with the latest software, and Upfront Mobile Plan to send and receive texts from most areas of mainland Australia. It is not designed to be an emergency service, as you cannot text Australian emergency responders (e.g., 000) directly.
To use Telstra Satellite Messaging, you need:
The satellite network will extend beyond the range of our mobile network to most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania, excluding the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service, as you cannot text Australian emergency responders directly. If you intend to visit remote regions, it is always recommended to plan ahead and take extra precautions in the case of an emergency.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is an intermittent service, so the experience of sending and receiving a message is different than via mobile connection. Some messages may take a few minutes or longer to send and receive, depending on location, device and availability of Starlink Direct to Cell satellites.
Telstra Satellite Messaging cannot be used to:
View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.
More information about Telstra Satellite Messaging can be found in our support section.
Questions about Telstra Satellite Messaging? Get in touch and we’ll help you as soon as we can.
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