Telstra Partners with Starlink for SMS Service

Telstra has partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to provide satellite-to-mobile text messaging services across Australia, particularly targeting remote and regional areas lacking reliable mobile coverage. The new technology will enable Telstra customers with compatible smartphones, particularly iPhone 14 models and newer, to send and receive SMS messages using Starlink's low-earth orbit satellites. Shailin Sehgal, Telstra's executive for global networks, emphasized the importance of this service for connecting Australians in hard-to-reach areas. While only text messaging will initially be available, plans for voice and basic data services are under consideration. This partnership builds on Telstra's existing collaboration with SpaceX for satellite internet services and is set to enhance connectivity in a vast country where mobile networks are limited. The service will not be available in certain restricted zones, including the Australian Radio Quiet Zone.