Complements Telstra's existing land-based mobile network offering Credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock Telstra has collaborated with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring satellite-to-mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to its customers, without the need for a specific compatible smartphone. An example of this would be users with an Apple iPhone 14 or newer, may have already experienced a version of this connectivity with its Emergency SOS mode, which allows them to send text messages to an emergency responder through LEO satellites to request help. Group executive of global networks and technology, Shailin Sehgal said satellite-to-mobile will complement its existing land-based mobile network offering basic connectivity in regional and rural areas. Satellite-to-Mobile is most relevant to people in regional and remote areas of the country that are outside their carrier’s mobile coverage footprint. This includes outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania with a direct line of sight to the sky and excludes the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia. “Currently, satellite-to-mobile technology allows users to send a message only, or if you’re using the latest iPhone, you can use Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature to help locate you when outside of mobile coverage,” he said. Sehgal said this is a “just-in-case” connectivity layer that allows a person to make contact for help when they are outside their own carrier’s mobile coverage footprint. Initially the collaboration between the two companies will focus on testing and refining a satellite-to-mobile text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch. This partnership is in addition to Telstra’s current work with SpaceX’s Starlink around low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite home and small business fixed internet products. Related content