Will start with SMS. Telstra has signed an agreement with SpaceX to use Starlink to deliver satellite-to-mobile services, starting with SMS this year. Initially, Telstra will trial the satellite-to-mobile text messaging capability on compatible devices ahead of a commercial launch. Telstra said it would expand the agreement to cover “voice and low speed data to smartphones across Australia” in the “longer term”. In a statement, Telstra group executive of global network and technology Shailin Sehgal said the Starlink mobile footprint would “cover most parts of Australia”. “But, Australia’s landmass is vast and there will always be large areas where mobile and fixed networks do not reach and this is where satellite technology will play a complementary role to our existing networks,” he added. Users of an Apple iPhone 14 or newer models can use Starlink connectivity when in Emergency SOS mode, which allows people to send text messages to emergency through Apple via Globalstar satellites. The satellite-to-mobile capability Telstra is developing, however, will make it possible to send a SMS to other people, not just in emergency situations, the telco said. Telstra already has Starlink-powered home broadband and voice services for home and small businesses, having signed a deal with the Elon Musk-owned company in 2023.