Telstra has announced a new collaboration with Elon Musk owned SpaceX’s Starlink to bring Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to customers across Australia.

(Reuters) -Top Australian telco Telstra said on Thursday it is collaborating with billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring satellite connectivity technology to its regional customers. Telstra has partnered with satellite-based internet provider Starlink to bring the latter's Starlink-to-Mobile technology to Australia,

Telstra has reached an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to test a Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging capability for Australian conditions, ahead of a commercial launch. The telco noted that its mobile network in the country covers 99.

Telstra forged a new agreement with SpaceX's Starlink to deliver satellite-to-mobile service to customers in remote areas.

Telstra customers with an iPhone 14 or later model will be able to access the technology, which can be used wherever there is a direct line of sight to the sky. Thick tree canopy

Telstra has followed Optus in signing a “straight-to-mobile” deal with Starlink that will allow users in remote areas to send texts via satellite.

Australia’s largest telco is set to launch direct-to-handset services via satellite, aiming to lift the connectivity of rural Australians with the ability to send text messages from their smart phones almost anywhere in the country.