General News
6 June, 2025
Connectivity boost for regions
Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster has announced her support for Telstra’s team up with Starlink to deliver rural, regional and remote mobile connectivity.
Dr Webster said Telstra’s new Starlink connectivity project will allow SMS from anywhere in the bush, projecting voice and data capability by 2027.
“This is the biggest breakthrough we’ve had in regional communi-cations for some time. I’ve been talking about working through satellite as being the only real solution for a long time,” she said.
Dr Webster met with the Telstra executive for technology and engagement Chana Seneviratne last Wednesday with other executives, excited about the partnership between Telstra devices and Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites.
For now, Telstra customers can text message using satellite services on Samsung Galaxy S25 handsets.
Apple devices and full voice call capability is expected by 2027.
TPG and Optus are understood to be also developing their own mobile-to-satellite capability with Lynk Global and Starlink.
“Australia is a unique nation with small population and large distances. This is genuinely a regional solution for a ubiquitous problem we all experience if we live and work in the regions,” Dr Webster said.
“I hear it from locals often, I thoroughly support this great leap forward for rural Australians.
“This will also be an important development for our emergency service employees and volunteers in the bush where it is dangerous to have black spots during natural disasters or accidents. Even so, travellers in remote areas should always let family or friends know their plans or take extra communications precautions.”