Published on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 9:59:43 AM
Stay Connected Beyond Mobile Coverage with Telstra’s New Satellite App Access
For many people across regional Western Australia, losing mobile coverage is simply part of travelling. Whether you're heading into the Stirling Range, working on a farm or exploring remote areas, staying connected can be challenging.
Telstra has expanded its satellite-to-mobile service, allowing eligible customers to access a range of everyday apps when they are outside the reach of the Telstra mobile network.
The new capability automatically connects compatible devices to satellite when there is no mobile coverage and a clear view of the sky, providing access to selected apps including:
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Navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps and AllTrails
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Messaging apps including iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal and Google Messages
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Weather apps including Apple Weather, AccuWeather and Google Weather
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Google Fitness and the My Telstra app
This builds on Telstra's satellite messaging service and provides another way for eligible customers to stay informed and connected in regional and remote areas.
What to expect
Satellite connectivity is different from the mobile network and is designed for basic communication rather than high-speed internet. Users may notice:
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Messages and maps can take longer to load or send.
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Some app features may be limited or unavailable.
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Background syncing and automatic updates may pause to reduce data usage.
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Performance can vary depending on location, weather conditions and satellite position.
While some messaging apps may display audio or video calling options, the service is not designed for reliable voice or video calls over satellite.
Important reminder
App-based messaging services, including WhatsApp, do not support calls to Triple Zero (000), whether connected by Wi-Fi, the mobile network or satellite. In an emergency, always use a standard mobile or landline connection where available to contact emergency services.
Australia's vast landscape means there will always be areas beyond traditional mobile coverage. Satellite-to-mobile technology provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping eligible Telstra customers stay connected in more places than ever before.
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