Remote and regional phone users will have direct access to satellite connection to help alleviate previous dead spots.

Greater coverage options are expected to come from a new collaboration between Telstra and Starlink, according to Australian financial comparison platform, Canstar.

The partnership was announced last month, with an aim, according to Telstra, to bring Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to their customers.

“Australia’s landmass is vast and there will always be large areas where mobile and fixed networks do not reach, and this is where satellite technology will play a complementary role to our existing networks,” a spokesperson for Telstra said.

“As satellite technology continues to evolve to support voice, data and IoT we will explore opportunities for the commercial launch of those new services,” they said.

Canstar Blue’s utilities expert, Tara Donnelly, said the collaboration will significantly impact how people living in rural and regional Australia can communicate - bringing service to parts of the country that have never had it before. 

“The best part is that for most Aussies, they won’t need to change anything to get access to this service - but that might not be the case for everyone,” Ms Donnelly said.

She said the technology will mean that coverage will be available to the more than 60% of Australia’s land mass that previously hasn’t been able to access it.  

“Initially, customers will be able to send text messages on their phones no matter where they are in the country - over time that will develop to voice calls or even have video streaming capabilities. 

“The great news is that many won’t have to do anything to get access to the satellite services - it will use technology that already exists in smartphones to work,” she said.

Good to have options – Mark Coulton

With many across the Western Plains suffering from multiple coverage gaps, from highway travel and in-property, the new partnership is expected to be broadly welcomed.

Federal Member for Parkes, and former Minister for Regional Communications, Mark Coulton (below) praised the reputation Starlink had built as an option for remote communities when it come to internet coverage.

“I’ve been hearing good reports about Starlink. Many people who have gone to Starlink are mostly happy with the service.

“Starlink covers the whole of Australia, so there should be no-one in a gap,” Mr Coulton said.

“I personally have been using the nbn Sky Muster satellite connection for a number of years now and am able to use it for all my internet requirements including video meetings, streaming and checking emails.

“The biggest problem I find with regards to communications is the lack of understanding of the various options available. A lot of the complaints I get to my office about nbn are because people don’t understand it,” he said.

“More people need to realise that they can use their nbn connection in the home to use Wi-Fi calling, which enables them to make calls over the Wi-Fi network which helps to free up the mobile network for essential calls outside the home. This ultimately helps reduce congestion of the mobile network which is often the primary reason for network problems,” Mr Coulton said.