Space to Gympie and beyond: satellite texts go live
A farmer stuck in the back paddock without mobile reception can now send a text message, a GPS location and even the ubiquitous cowboy emoji via satellite technology.
Farmers will be among Telstra customers able to use Australia's first satellite-to-mobile text messaging service from Tuesday morning as the telco begins rolling out its collaboration with SpaceX.
Samsung Galaxy S25 series users will be able to connect to Starlink direct-to-cell satellites, allowing them to send texts from outdoor locations beyond the Telstra mobile network.
Other devices, including Apple iPhones, will be enabled in coming weeks or months, while satellite voice and low-speed data may come online sometime after 2027.
The technology will particularly benefit regional Australians, Telstra executive Channa Seneviratne said.
"I was up in the Gympie shire (in Queensland) talking to a farmer who said he had some really remote paddocks and didn't have mobile coverage there," Mr Seneviratne told AAP.
"He said he works late and he'd like to let the family know that he's OK ... so this product is perfect for those sorts of uses.
"It's a really exciting advancement in our technology for this massive land area that we call home."
Engineers have been testing the technology for much of 2025, going to far-flung places across Australia to check whether they can send texts, GPS coordinates and emojis via satellite.
Telstra has faced backlash from regional Australians in recent months after the closure of the 3G network in October left some in rural areas with patchy coverage.
The Regional Telecommunications Review also heard of unreliable mobile coverage in country areas, including in emergencies and after natural disasters.
Major telcos have long maintained improved satellite technology could bridge some of those gaps, with Starlink broadband connecting rural Australians for years.
Satellites are among several advances, along with repurposing the 3G spectrum for the 5G network, Mr Seneviratne said.
"Of course, we accept Aussies want more and we want to do more," he said.
The new service would not connect users directly to triple zero, but may help people get in touch with family or friends during an emergency.
"It's a move towards providing an additional safety net for all of those customers who live, work and play outside of terrestrial coverage."
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Sky News AU
5 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Trump advisor encourages Australia to further invest in defence to show US it takes threats to national security 'seriously'
A senior advisor to President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Australia over its defence spending, suggesting it needed to improve in order to strengthen its relationship with the United States. Sebastian Gorka, who serves as the deputy assistant to the president and the senior director for counterterrorism in the Trump administration discussed Australia's defence investment during an exclusive interview with Sharri Markson on Sky News on Wednesday. Australia's investment in defence has come under the spotlight in the past week, after it was highlighted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) that the government risks falling behind in its military preparedness amid rising global threats. In the report, former home affairs deputy secretary Mark Ablong concluded "the failure of this year's budget to meet that responsibility will make all Australians less secure". "Without urgent, coordinated and well resourced responses to those challenges, Australia risks a brittle and hollowed defence force, diminished industrial sovereignty, and compromised national security in a volatile Indo Pacific region," he wrote. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brushed off the report, sticking by Labor's investment in defence, but the US has sent the message it is not satisfied with Australia's commitment. Mr Gorka said his relationship with Australian representatives had been positive so far, describing Australia as one of America's "closest partners in national security". "I think what (President Trump's) said to NATO nations, what he did in the first administration to get those who weren't paying enough into the collective defence alliance that is NATO and how he got them to do so speaks for itself. only been here for, what, four months. And I've had several meetings with our colleagues, our Australian counterterrorism, national security colleagues. It has been a delight," he said. However, he said Australia had to take national security seriously and the manner in which it responds to threats will determine how strong its relationship with the US will be. "I say to you what I say every nation. You are measured by how seriously you take the threats to your citizens, to your sovereignty. And if you wish to be understood as friends, as allies, and partners, that requires certain traits and certain behaviours to be met," Mr Gorka said. "Committing to your own defence so we are stronger together is clearly one of them So the people of Australia, the government they choose will decide the exact percentages of GDP, but I think the President will have an opinion when he meets with his Australian counterpart." Mr Gorka's comments come after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth last week flagged Australia needed to lift its investment to about 3.5 per cent of GDP to his counterpart Defence Minister Richard Marles during a meeting in Singapore. The Deputy Prime Minister later said Mr Hegseth raised the issue of defence spending after the US had asked its NATO allies to raise their spending. "I wouldn't put a number on it. The need to increase defence spending is something that he definitely raised and you have seen the Americans in the way in which they have engaged with all of their friends and allies asking them to do more and we can completely understand why America would do that," he told ABC's Afternoon Briefing. "What I made clear is that this is a conversation that we are very willing to have and it is one that we are having already... but we want to make sure that we are contributing to the strategic moment that we all face. "We have done a lot already, but we are absolutely up for having this conversation and we want to calibrate our defence spending to meet the strategic moment that we all face."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Create your perfect coffee station with Nespresso's up to 30 per cent off EOFY sale
These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee.
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Telstra tax' nears $1000, consumer advocate says
The premium 'Telstra tax' will tick up to $1000 for customers next month when prices are hiked, a consumer advocate says. Researcher and advocate Joel Gibson says the premium paid for Telstra stacks up to about $300 to $400 per device or service. The analysis is comparing Telstra's offerings with the bare bones, cheapest options and does not consider Telstra's additional hardware, coverage and servicing guarantees. 'The 'Telstra tax' just keeps getting bigger and bigger each year, with millions of households probably paying more than $1000 extra now for the privilege of being with Telstra,' Mr Gibson said. 'There's nothing wrong with paying a tax if you know that you're paying it and you know what you're getting in exchange for it, but we suspect many are unaware they have a choice.' Mr Gibson acknowledges Telstra had the best regional coverage. Crunching the numbers for consumers using Telstra internet, a mobile plan and mobile phone, Mr Gibson says consumers can save $1000 per year. A former journalist and editor, Mr Gibson is now a consumer spending advocate under the title Joel Kills Bills. He and telco comparison site Whistle Out did this latest analysis together, using Telstra's July 1 price hike figures as a reference. From July 1, Telstra's standard NBN plan will be $408 more than budget provider Exetel. Recent government testing shows Exetel has faster download speeds; however, the consumer must pay for the modem. NBN Co is also raising its wholesale prices 3 per cent this coming financial year that the telcos are passing on to the consumer.
