Telstra Satellite texting

Originally this came free, from Apple, for 12 months on compatible IPhones. At that time there was no information about what would happen at the end of that time. I was looking last week and it certainly does appear to now be a Telstra only thing. Our Telstra shop in the local mall does not accept walk in customers. You have to make an appointment, which may be hours later, to ask about or buy a phone. I would much rather shop at JB!!!

Haven't bought a new phone for over 5 yrs. Just can't see over $1,000 worth of value in one.
But I do use Boost.....$300/yr
Although I wouldn't think Boost is a MVNO, seeing as they are owned by Telstra .

Purchased an Samsung A56 and on our last trip I decided to test out the satellite messaging. It worked but bloody hell it was slow but I did learn if you keep rejecting the msg before it was sent it actually sent the msg via standard messaging through the nearest available cell tower, even if it wasn't Telstra. We went all around the north eastern corner of SA and never failed once to sent a message even in some very remote locations.

It looks like you can sign up for 1 month and then cancel if you have a trip. My phone can have 2 SIM cards so I could load in a Telstra postpaid one for satellite messaging via an eSIM.

https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/sim-only-plans

At the moment they have $50 off the first month (till 4th May) so it would only cost $20 for the first month.

Another point on the SMS Satellite texting, hopefully this is useful.

You can not text 000.

The way to contact emergency services is to text the SMS National Relay servces NRS ( typically used for deaf people), but this is a legitimate purpose.

Text 0423 677 767

Include the following information in the SMS
• 000
• FIRE or POLICE or AMBULANCE
• Your name
• Location of emergency including the
address or landmark
• Brief details about the emergency
• GA (Go ahead) at the end of your message.

Wait for an automated welcome message from
the NRS to confirm that the SMS has been
received.

Wait to be transferred to a Relay Officer and
for the Relay Officer to relay the message to
The Emergency Services Officer (ESO).

Wait for a message from the ESO and for ‘GA’
before replying each time.

Reply with 'GA' each time.

SMS relay instructions

Hopeyfully this can be included in the EO comms section.

My son in-law has a Samsung S24 (that are satellite messaging compatible).

The handset was NOT purchased from Telstra, however his monthly postpaid account is direct with Telstra

Satellite SMS was available on his phone over Easter where there was no mobile signal.

It will only show on the screen when the handset cannot find a mobile signal and then it will indicate up the top (where Telstra would normally be) that satellite is available.