Telstra Expands Starlink Satellite-to-Mobile Service to Selected Apps
Australian operator Telstra has expanded its Starlink-powered satellite-to-mobile service beyond text messaging, allowing eligible customers to access a limited range of satellite-optimised apps when outside the reach of its mobile network.
The new Select Satellite Apps capability marks an Australian first and builds on Telstra’s Satellite Messaging service, which launched last year. Eligible customers with compatible devices can now use supported apps for navigation, weather, messaging, light social use and fitness when connected via Telstra Satellite with a clear view of the sky.
Supported apps include Apple Maps, Google Maps, AllTrails, iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal, Google Messages, Apple Weather, AccuWeather, Google Weather, Google Fitness and the My Telstra app. The service is designed for light data use and practical tasks, rather than real-time, high-speed applications.
Telstra said performance may vary depending on location, environment, latitude and satellite position. Some actions, such as sending messages or loading maps, may take longer than on terrestrial 4G or 5G networks, and not all app features will work over satellite. Customers are also advised to install, update and log into apps before travelling beyond mobile coverage.
The expansion comes as usage of Telstra’s satellite-to-mobile service continues to grow. More than 26 million texts have been sent or received via Telstra Satellite Messaging since launch, while average daily satellite connections have risen from around 80,000 at launch to more than 200,000. Telstra also said over 2.9 million users have connected via satellite using compatible devices over the past 13 months.
The operator continues to position satellite-to-mobile as a coverage and resilience layer rather than a replacement for its terrestrial network. Usage peaks during weekends and holidays, suggesting the service is being used by customers travelling or moving through areas outside conventional coverage.
SOURCE: https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/satellite-to-mobile-lite-data-