Telstra has extended its satellite messaging service beyond just text messaging and will include access to third-party navigation, messaging, weather and fitness apps.
The Telstra Satellite Messaging Service, in collaboration with Starlink, now allows eligible customers to use a host of other apps that have been optimised for this service, including Apple Maps, iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
This means Telstra customers can stay up to date with their messages, keep in touch with friends, check the weather and get directions even when they are outside Telstra’s cellular network.
Supported apps currently include:
– Navigation apps: Apple Maps, Google Maps, and AllTrails;
– Messaging apps: iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal and Google Messages;
– Weather apps: including Apple’s Weather app, AccuWeather, and Google Weather;
– Other apps: Google Fitness and the My Telstra app
Telstra customers who have access to the select satellite apps will connect via satellite when they’ve moved outside the range of the Telstra mobile network.
But Telstra says customers should ensure the latest software is installed and you are logged in to your favourite apps because you won’t be able to download new apps or updates once you’re outside mobile coverage.
Telstra Satellite Messaging is available through iMessage on compatible iPhones and SMS and RCS on supported Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones.
Access to select satellite apps to Telstra customers on eligible up-front mobile and Telstra business mobile plans is possible with supported devices including the Samsung Galaxy S26 family and iPhone 13 or newer.
Telstra’s Satellite Messaging Service has been available for more than a year, with customers sending and receiving more than 26 million text messages.
