Mobile phone satellite messaging
Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 19:52
ThreadID: 153811
Views:596
Replies:4
FollowUps:3
IvanTheTerrible
Did a trip earlier this year and just got back from another a few days ago and change in satellite messaging on a mobile phone between the two is incredible . On the first trip sending messages was inconsistent and if it did send it took for ever. This trip it was almost instant and never failed. This included sending images which we couldn't do on our earlier trip. This has now pretty much made our dedicated satellite messaging system obsolete.
Reply By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 20:02
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 20:02
Was it the same phone and plan Ivan
AnswerID:
649578
Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 20:44
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 20:44
Same phone on the telstra
FollowupID:
931398
Reply By: Member - Mark (Tamworth NSW) - Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 at 07:21
Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 at 07:21
Certain I phones (14? and later) Samsung S24 and later and later model Google phones have this capability.
Definitely Telstra but must be the dearer post paid account plans, not cheaper prepaid plans ( as I unfortunately found out).
I have to wait until my 6 month prepaid lapses before ex reverting back to post paid.
I used it a couple if times when bushwalking out of range earlier this year.
Vodafone in New Zealand had this Starlink based service several months before Telstra here, but i hadn't heard of it with Vodafone here.
AnswerID:
649580
Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 at 11:57
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 at 11:57
Mine is an Samsung A56
FollowupID:
931402
Follow Up By: Member - Mark (Tamworth NSW) - Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 at 14:25
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 at 14:25
Apologies Ivan, the late models Samsung A phones also have that capability
FollowupID:
931403
Reply By: Member - Duncan2H - Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 at 11:18
Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 at 11:18
It really is superb.. such an impressive tech.
AnswerID:
649582
Reply By: Tony W - Monday, Sep 21, 2026 at 18:42
Monday, Sep 21, 2026 at 18:42
Not just messaging.
On new Samsung and Iphones it also supports the following apps.
In Oct older Samsungs will also support these too.
It's completely changed the rules.
Navigation
Google Maps: Provides navigation and enables certain location-based features via satellite connectivity, allowing limited functionality when outside mobile coverage, including in some remote environments.
Apple Maps: Enables basic location reference and navigation support
AllTrails: Supports trail location and navigation using GPS
Caltopo: Off
grid topographic mapping tool ideal for backcountry navigation
Apple compass
Apple Find My
Google Find
Messaging
WhatsApp: Provides access to basic messaging features via satellite connectivity when outside the range of Telstra’s mobile network.
Facebook Messenger: Supports simple text messaging
Signal: Supports simple text messaging
Apple messages
Google messages with Gemini (Android Only)
Light-social and fitness
X: Provides access to basic, text-based updates on popular topics and viral discussions.
Apple Fitness: Records activity locally
Google Fitness
Weather
AccuWeather: Provides access to forecasts and alerts to help stay prepared for any weather.
Google weather
Apple weather
Telstra
My Telstra: enables basic service visibility and support for Telstra customers.
AnswerID:
649587