Telstra, the leading Australian telecom company, has unveiled its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite text messaging service. This innovative feature comes as part of their partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, promising connectivity whenever terrestrial networks fall short.
Initially, this service will be accessible primarily to customers using the Samsung Galaxy S25 on selected plans. These users will now have the flexibility to send and receive text messages through Starlink’s satellite network, provided they have a clear view of the sky. Notably, Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite system covers the entirety of Australia, sparing only the Australian Radio Quiet Zone and some remote territories.
To benefit from this service, eligible customers need only download a software update. Telstra plans to enroll all qualifying consumers in the coming weeks. Once enrolled, users will be seamlessly transitioned to satellite service when traditional mobile coverage is inadequate.
The foundation of this project dates back to 2023 when Telstra began integrating Starlink satellites for enterprise solutions. The venture evolved into the D2D messaging system at the beginning of this year, following extensive testing. With this initiative, connectivity challenges in rural and remote areas might find relief.
According to Telstra, while some messages may transmit almost in real-time, others could encounter significant lag. “This means customers are likely to find that some messages are sent or received almost instantly, while others may take many minutes or longer,” stated Telstra’s Tom Beach.
Looking ahead, Starlink plans to expand offerings to include voice and data services. Also, a broader range of compatible devices is anticipated, making this feature more accessible in the near future.