T-Mobile Starlink lets your regular cell phone connect to satellites when you’re out of reach of normal cell towers. This means you can send texts even in remote areas like national parks or during emergencies. Eventually, it will support calls and data too.

Telstra has become the first telco to formally launch “direct-to-mobile” Starlink services in Australia. On Tuesday, the company revealed that the service, initially available only for texting, has now begun for those with Samsung Galaxy S25 handsets, with a rollout to iPhone users set to follow soon.

Using your smartphone with a satellite connection in a cellular dead zone isn't exactly rocket science, but there can be complications.

Telstra has launched satellite-enabled text messaging for customers in areas without mobile coverage, becoming the first Australian telecommunications provider to offer the service through its partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellites.

Telstra has become the first Australian telco to activate “direct to cell” functionality with SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.

Starlink, which offers affordable broadband access, is ideal for households and businesses in rural South Africa. However, the mobile operators are doing their best to keep the service out of the country.