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The deal is the latest in a string of deals for Starlink
Telstra has announced a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to introduce Satellite-to-Mobile text messaging in Australia.
The service, the partner say, will help to address the gaps in mobile coverage, especially in remote areas where terrestrial network infrastructure is limited.
“The collaboration will initially focus on testing and refining a Satellite-to-Mobile text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch,” the press release states.
Telstra’s mobile network already covers 99.7% of the population but, as says Shailin Sehgal, Group Executive Global Networks and Tech at Telstra, points out, the sheer scale of Australia means much of the country is still without connectivity.
“Australia’s landmass is vast and there will always be large areas where mobile and fixed networks do not reach,” he said. “This is where satellite technology will play a complementary role to our existing networks.”
The service will initially support text messaging, with potential future expansions to include voice and low-rate data services.
Back in 2023, the Telstra and Starlink signed a deal to deliver fixed broadband and voice services to remote areas across the country. That collaboration focused on providing faster broadband and home phone services for customers. As part of this earlier deal, Telstra aimed to offer broadband speeds significantly higher than older systems, combined with local technical support and optional professional installation to ease adoption.
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