Latest news with #ChannaSeneviratne
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Outback game-changer: Telstra and SpaceX launch satellite texting service
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,' 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 co-ordinates 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, 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.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Huge change for mobile users as new Space X service gives boost to regional Aussies, campers
Select Australians living rurally and in regional areas will soon have access to better mobile coverage, with Telstra launching the country's first satellite-to-mobile text service, allowing users to send and receive messages even outside of 4G and 5G covered zones. In the Aussie outback, on remote roads, and in places like isolated hiking trails, sending messages can be near-impossible with regular service. But now, Telstra, in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX, aims to fix the problem. While the program is still in its early days, the telco said on Tuesday it stands to be of enormous benefit to farmers and those working in ultra-remote areas of the country, in particular. It's been branded a "just-in-case" connectivity layer that allows a person to make contact with a loved one to make contact in the event of an emergency. The messaging service relies on Low Earth Orbit satellites and direct-to-device technology to send signals straight from space to compatible mobile phones. Currently, only the Samsung Galaxy S25 can send texts this way. Any phone, however, can receive them. Broader compatibility is expected to be rolled out in the future. When users are outside Telstra's mobile coverage in mainland Australia or Tasmania, their phone will automatically switch to the Starlink satellite. Rural Australians have long relied on LEO satellite services like Starlink, Sky Muster, Intelsat, and Inmarsat for internet, calls, emails, and texts — and this new messaging service builds on that. A user simply needs to compose a text as normal and keep their phone in clear view of the sky. Depending on the location, device, and satellite availability, it may take a few minutes or more to send or receive messages. Telstra's executive for technology engagement, Channa Seneviratne, said the service can't yet connect directly to emergency services, meaning users would need to message someone else to call triple-0 if needed. "It's important to remember that this is not an emergency service," he said. "Australia is a very big country, and there are places where a mobile network does not provide coverage. So if you are somebody who lives ... outside of that network coverage, Telstra satellite messaging will be perfect for you. Sad sight on remote Aussie road highlights dangerous problem Air crew makes exciting 'once-in-a-lifetime' discovery in outback Remote outback family shares their 'very special' tradition "This is a really exciting advancement in technology." He said Telstra is working to make the technology compatible with more devices, including Apple products, with voice calls over the LEOsat network also in development, but not expected until 2027. The satellite tech will be built into contracts at no added price, and Telstra said customers can expect further announcements in the coming months. "Following launch, we will continue to test and refine the service so we can continue to offer the best product we can for customers," it said in a statement this morning. In the future, satellite-to-mobile tech is expected to go beyond just texting, with plans to support data use and voice calls as the network evolves. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
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." 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." 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." 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."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
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."
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
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."
