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Telstra has used the first anniversary of its Starlink-powered satellite messaging to share a few key stats about its uptake. Over 200,000 Telstra customers now connect to the satellite service per day, and over 2.7 million customers have connected at least once since launch.
A Telstra spokesperson said that customer uptake is "exciting", but the real-world impact is more important.
"What stands out to us the most is not the numbers themselves, but what they represent," said the spokesperson. "A message home from a remote road, a quick check-in during a trip away, or peace of mind in places beyond the range of our mobile network."
Satellite messaging allows Telstra customers to send text messages via satellite when they don't have mobile coverage, but it is positioned as a "just-in-case" option. The satellites only have enough bandwidth for old-school text messages, rather than over-the-top apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. MMS is currently out of the question. Messages may also take several minutes to send and receive.
A clear view of the sky is necessary for Satellite Messaging to work. Even a veranda could be enough to interrupt connectivity.
Telstra customers need a compatible device to use satellite messaging, and also need to be on an Upfront mobile plan. A Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut there's no timeline on when the feature might be expanded to prepaid plans or other Telstra-powered providers. Compatible devices include the iPhone 13 family and newer, the Galaxy S24 family and newer, and the Pixel 9 family and newer.
While satellite messaging isn't designed to be an emergency service, a Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut that volunteer firefighters on the team relied on the feature in January this year.
"We have also seen the impact this additional connectivity option can have when natural disasters affect the mobile network, including during the Victorian bushfires earlier this year and via other emergency services agencies across the country," said the spokesperson.
Satellite messaging allowed the volunteer firefighters to share their location, receive updates, and let their families know they were safe when no other connectivity was available.
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Alex Choros
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