Connecting your phone to space is one of those things that sounds pretty cool on paper, and Telstra has made it a reality through its Starlink-powered satellites. Customers on Upfront Telstra mobile plans can fall back to satellite connectivity when out of coverage areas to stay connected.
While the limits of current satellite tech mean this functionality isn't quite as sci-fi as one might hope, it's still a potentially handy way to stay on the grid when you're off the grid.
What is Telstra satellite to mobile?
Telstra's satellite to mobile features allow customers who have an eligible mobile plan and a compatible phone to maintain connectivity and use certain apps outside of mobile coverage areas, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Users can send and receive text messages and use a small handful of apps. Traditional text messages are limited to text only, and as such, MMS won't work. Other supported apps tend to focus on messaging and maps.
These include iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal, Google Messages, Apple Maps, Google Maps, AllTrails, Apple's weather app, Google Weather, AccuWeather, and My Telstra.
Satellite to mobile connecticity is positioned as a "just-in-case" option, and isn't designed for emergency usage. After all, there is no way to text Triple Zero, and the technology doesn't support phone calls yet.
What plans support Telstra satellite?
Satellite features are only available to customers on a Telstra Upfront mobile plan. These are as follows:
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#1
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Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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#3
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Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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Notably, satellite features are a standard inclusion on Upfront plans. You don't need to pay extra to use it.
Satellite features are not available on Telstra's prepaid plans or through any Telstra-powered provider. A Telstra spokesperson told us there's currently no timeline for when satellite features might expand beyond Upfront plans.
What devices support Telstra satellite?
In addition to having a compatible plan, you need to have a compatible device to use Telstra satellite features. For the most part, satellite features are exclusive to flagship devices, but phones as old as the iPhone 13 work with the tech. Just note that you may need to run a software update for satellite connectivity to work.
In most cases, the phone also needs to be the variant sold in Australia. For example, only "global" iPhone models sold in markets like Australia work with satellite messaging. Models built for the United States or China won't work with the feature.
Here are satellite-compatible devices, broken down by manufacturer.
Note that compatibility differs for use cases. More phones support satellite messaging than satellite apps. For example, Pixel devices don't currently support satellite messaging at all.
iPhones that support Telstra satellite messaging
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Samsung phones that support Telstra satellite messaging
Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25 Edge, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy A37, Galaxy A57, Galaxy A17, Galaxy A36, Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Google phones that support Telstra satellite messaging
Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9a.
iPhones that support Telstra satellite apps
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Samsung phones that support Telstra satellite apps
Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
How does Telstra satellite to mobile work?
Telstra's satellite to mobile features work by connecting users to Starlink satellites when they are out of mobile coverage areas. These satellites broadcast mobile spectrum, which allows existing phones to connect to them without the need for special equipment. In most cases, a software update is required, however.
Since satellite messaging relies on satellites, using it requires a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. If you're connected to a satellite, the network indicator on your phone will swap from "Telstra" to "Telstra SpaceX".
Sending messages will also take longer over satellite. While a standard text message sends almost instantly, it can take a couple of minutes for an SMS to send when you're connected to Telstra's satellite service.
Similarly, using apps may feel slower than over a mobile network, and full functionality may not be available. For example, while WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger have audio and video calling, this may not work via satellite due to the higher bandwidth requirements.
Telstra satellite features are available almost everywhere in Australia, other than the Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia. It also isn't available in remote offshore islands and territories. Don't worry, Tasmania is covered.
What's next satellite to mobile connectivity?
Satellite to mobile connectivity now supports basic apps in Australia, but the tech is set to keep evolving. On top of basic apps, Starlink expects that its satellite-to-mobile technology will be fast enough to allow for video calls and streaming in the future.
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Alex Choros
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