Telstra has announced a new collaboration with Elon Musk owned SpaceX’s Starlink to bring Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to customers across Australia.

(Reuters) -Top Australian telco Telstra said on Thursday it is collaborating with billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring satellite connectivity technology to its regional customers. Telstra has partnered with satellite-based internet provider Starlink to bring the latter's Starlink-to-Mobile technology to Australia,

Telstra has reached an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to test a Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch. The telco noted that its mobile network in the country covers 99.

Telstra has followed Optus in signing a “straight-to-mobile” deal with Starlink that will allow users in remote areas to send texts via satellite.

Telstra customers with an iPhone 14 or later model will be able to access the technology, which can be used wherever there is a direct line of sight to the sky. Thick tree canopy

Telstra forged a new agreement with SpaceX's Starlink to deliver satellite-to-mobile service to customers in remote areas.

Australia’s largest telco is set to launch direct-to-handset services via satellite, aiming to lift the connectivity of rural Australians with the ability to send text messages from their smart phones almost anywhere in the country.