Australia-based Telstra staked the claim of being the first in the country to launch satellite-to-mobile messaging for consumer and SME customers using Starlink’s direct-to-device service.

To access the new service, customers on select plans need a compatible mobile device, limited to Samsung Galaxy S25 series handsets at the start, which has been updated with the latest software.

In a post on the operator’s website, consumer executive Tom Beach noted the service will be rolled out to more devices, without specifying a timeframe.

Beach explained satellite messaging is an intermittent service, with the time it takes to send and receive messages dependent on location, the device and the availability of Starlink direct-to-mobile satellites.

“This means customers are likely to find that some messages are sent or received almost instantly, while others may take many minutes or longer.”

He added the satellite-to-mobile capability is expected to be expanded to data and voice calls.

The operator said in May the launch was coming following extensive testing.