Telstra Satellite texting
Submitted: Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 06:28
ThreadID: 152392
Views:726
Replies:4
FollowUps:4
Tony W
I get my Telstra Mobile plans through JB Hi Fi. Unlike a Telstra
shop, most staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
Given JB simply resells Telstra
services (and is not an MVNO like Aldi, Boost, etc.), I also assumed until recently that the new Telstra Satellite service was part of my plan, since I have a compatible phone.
It isn't, unfortunately. I just want to give a heads up to others who assume the same. You need to buy a postpaid plan directly from Telstra for it to work. I hope this is useful to others using JB.
Reply By: Mikee5 - Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 17:34
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 17:34
Originally this came free, from Apple, for 12 months on compatible IPhones. At that time there was no information about what would happen at the end of that time. I was looking last week and it certainly does appear to now be a Telstra only thing. Our Telstra
shop in the local mall does not accept walk in customers. You have to make an appointment, which may be hours later, to ask about or buy a phone. I would much rather
shop at JB!!!
AnswerID:
649148
Reply By: Gronk - Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 19:03
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 19:03
Haven't bought a new phone for over 5 yrs. Just can't see over $1,000 worth of value in one.
But I do use Boost.....$300/yr
Although I wouldn't think Boost is a MVNO, seeing as they are owned by Telstra .
AnswerID:
649156
Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 19:24
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 19:24
Purchased an Samsung A56 and on our last trip I decided to test out the satellite messaging. It worked but bloody hell it was slow but I did learn if you keep rejecting the msg before it was sent it actually sent the msg via standard messaging through the nearest available cell tower, even if it wasn't Telstra. We went all around the north eastern corner of SA and never failed once to sent a message even in some very remote locations.
AnswerID:
649157
Reply By: Member - peter_mcc - Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 21:42
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 21:42
It looks like you can
sign up for 1 month and then cancel if you have a trip. My phone can have 2 SIM cards so I could load in a Telstra postpaid one for satellite messaging via an eSIM.
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/sim-only-plans
At the moment they have $50 off the first month (till 4th May) so it would only cost $20 for the first month.
AnswerID:
649158
Follow Up By: Tony W - Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 05:28
Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 05:28
Nice. Good idea
FollowupID:
930875
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 08:44
Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 08:44
.
Just be sure that it will work with Telstra post-pay plan as the satellite phones would not connect with a post-pay SIM.
FollowupID:
930882
Follow Up By: Member - peter_mcc - Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 14:30
Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 14:30
Allen B - the website says that it does include Satellite messaging for all the "me" sim-only plans. The "Sharing and saving" sim-only plans don't seem to include it and neither do the prepaid ones.
FollowupID:
930884
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 15:10
Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 15:10
.
Sorry Peter, I meant to say "Pre-Pay" plans.
FollowupID:
930885