Telstra Partners With Starlink for D2D in Australia

Australia’s largest teleco, Telstra, announces its collaboration with Starlink to rollout Direct-To-Cell services to its Australian customers, starting with text messaging capability. Starlink’s DTC service works with existing (PTToC) LTE devices without the need for additional equipment or special apps, providing a seamless integration into Telestra’s existing network infrastructure. Australia officially has zero mobile deadzones as of this month!

Telstra currently works with Starlink to provide low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite home and small business Internet services and will be adding direct-to-device text messaging services for customers in Australia.

Telstra is the latest service provider to unveil direct-to-device (D2D) text messaging services with a satellite provider. The Australia-based operator is working with SpaceX's Starlink to provide its satellite-to-mobile technology to customers in Australia.

The service provider currently works with Starlink to provide low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite home and small business fixed Internet services. Telstra has also teamed up with satellite provider Eutelsat OneWeb to deliver OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) mobile backhaul to customers in Australia.

Telstra said the D2D text messaging service with Starlink will provide improved coverage to customers in regional and remote areas. Telstra's mobile network covers 99.7% of the Australian population over an area of 3 million square kilometers. The company said it has invested $11.8 billion into its mobile network in Australia over the past seven years.

As satellite technology advances, Telstra plans to look into voice, data and IoT service opportunities.

Telstra's D2D service is currently in the testing phase and not yet available commercially. Telstra forecasts it will be available from most outdoor areas on mainland Australia and Tasmania where there is a direct line of sight to the sky.