Satellite Text Messaging in Australia
For anyone planning a multi-day hike in remote Australia, your capacity to communicate with the outside world is a critical safety consideration. Mobile coverage in much of the country’s remote areas is patchy at best, and in some regions it’s non-existent. New satellite technology now means that even in areas without mobile coverage it is possible to send and receive texts via a standard mobile phone.
You’ll need a late model mobile phone and, currently, you’ll need a Telstra mobile plan. Optus and TPG Telecom are expected to catch up soon and all of the network operators are hoping to extend the service to voice calls in the next couple of years.
The appeal for hikers is obvious: being able to send and receive text messages via satellite directly from your mobile phone provides an additional convenience and safety tool when in remote areas. However, as discussed in this article, the service is not a replacement for dedicated emergency satellite devices.
The current state of satellite text messaging in Australia
Satellite text messaging recently moved from concept to limited availability in Australia:
* Telstra and Starlink: On 5 June 2025, Telstra announced it now offers satellite text messaging via Starlink. The service is available to customers on Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans, subject to mobile phone compatibility. It allows customers to send and receive SMS messages in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage, provided their mobile phone supports the feature.
* Practical limitations of Telstra/Starlink service:
* Not all mobile phones are compatible—only certain newer models currently support the feature.
* There can be delays in message delivery, particularly if the satellite is low on the horizon or if conditions obstruct line of sight.
* The service currently supports only basic SMS messaging, not images, voice or data.
* Additional costs may apply, depending on plan inclusions.
* Emergency SOS via satellite remains available for iPhone 14 and newer models and Google Pixel 9 and later models. It enables users to send SOS messages to emergency services when no mobile coverage is available. However, this is restricted to emergency use only, not routine two-way messaging.
* Optus and TPG Telecom are still progressing their partnerships to deliver satellite text messaging from mobile phones. Trials are ongoing, but consumer access is not yet widespread.
So, for the first time, hikers with compatible devices and Telstra plans can access satellite texting directly from their smartphones. However, as noted above, the service is still in its early stages and subject to meaningful limitations.
Likely future developments
Over the next two to three years, satellite-to-mobile coverage and functionality in Australia is expected to expand:
* Broader device compatibility: As manufacturers and networks integrate satellite messaging, more standard smartphones will support the feature.
* Two-way messaging improvements: Current systems are basic. Future updates aim to extend the service to voice and low-speed data.
Why Texting via Mobile Phone and Satellite Is Not a Substitute for Emergency Devices
Hikers should not mistake mobile-to-satellite texting for a comprehensive communications safety solution. In many circumstances, dedicated emergency devices remain essential because:
1. Reliability and Priority: Devices such as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and two-way satellite communicators such as Garmin inReach and Zoleo units are built for emergencies. When activated, they transmit distress signals on internationally recognised frequencies monitored by rescue authorities. Satellite-to-mobile texting does not provide the same priority or reliability.
2. One-Button SOS: In an emergency, seconds matter. Dedicated satellite devices allow you to trigger an SOS with a single button, even if you’re injured, cold, or disoriented. Composing a message on a smartphone requires more steps, mental awareness and dexterity.
3. Battery Life and Ruggedness: Smartphones are fragile and power-hungry. Dedicated devices are rugged, waterproof, and designed to last days or weeks in the field.
4. Integration with Rescue Services: PLBs connect directly into the international Cospas-Sarsat system, the gold standard for search and rescue. Commercial devices like Zoleo or inReach connect to professional monitoring centres. Mobile-to-satellite services lack this proven escalation pathway.
Best Practice for Hikers in Remote Australia
If you’re planning a walk where mobile phone coverage is limited, capacity to communicate with the outside world is an important safety consideration. Items to consider include:
* Carrying a dedicated emergency satellite device. Options include PLBs (simple, reliable, no ongoing cost) or two-way communicators like Garmin inReach or Zoleo.
* Using mobile-to-satellite texting as supplementary. With Telstra’s new service, it’s now possible to send texts in remote areas—but (depending on the nature of the walk) generally it should not be relied upon as your primary communications safety tool.
* Having a communications plan. Let someone at home know your route, expected check-ins, and what to do if they don’t hear from you.
* Conserving your phone battery. Carry a power bank and manage your smartphone’s battery power levels carefully, particularly if you plan to use mobile to satellite texting.
Conclusion
Mobile-to-satellite texting has taken a significant step forward in Australia with Telstra’s Starlink-powered service. For the first time, hikers with compatible phones and Telstra plans can send texts directly via satellite. This is a major development, and future improvements will make it even more useful.
But it is not a substitute for devices designed for emergencies. For bushwalkers heading into remote parts of Australia, the safest approach is still clear: carry a dedicated satellite emergency device, and view mobile-to-satellite texting as a helpful bonus, not your lifeline.