Starlink’s SpaceX satellite internet constellation is transforming telecommunications in Australia through partnerships with major telcos like Telstra and Optus. By leveraging its Direct to Cell (DTC) technology, Starlink will enable text and voice services in remote areas, addressing mobile blackspots and enhancing connectivity nationwide.

Local farmer, Sam Chapman, said the technology has the potential to be a game-changer.

“In a farm business, there is a lot in the organisational aspects where having connectivity is crucial. You’ve got people trying to meet you on site, and you’re trying to organise things, and people can’t get hold of you or can’t find you, and it’s really hard to coordinate.” said Sam.

“If you’ve got to meet someone somewhere where there’s no phone service, if they’re half an hour later, an hour later, not coming, you’ve just got to wait. It’s quite frustrating.”

Sam also said that farm safety will be a big winner with the technology.

“It’s a big safety thing on the farm. We’ve got people working remotely, by themselves.”

“It would be a lot better if we could always contact people, just to make sure they are okay. A lot of dangerous stuff happens on farms.”

Sam’s farm business has already been benefiting from Elon Musk’s Starlink network with a home-based system bridging critical gaps in internet connectivity.

“Absolutely anything that Elon Musk does turns to gold, he’s a freak of a human, we’re very lucky to have him!”

“Starlink has been a game changer. We’re in a new home now, and you just can’t get any phone service there. Even with all the cell phone repeaters, like everyone’s got on their cars, it’s just a dead zone. Telstra don’t do phones out there, so bad luck. But the internet with Starlink is just absolutely seamless. The Wi Fi calling is as clear as the network in town, and it never drops out.

“It’s the fastest thing I’ve ever had. It’s incredible.”

“Phone service is pretty much non-existent anywhere where there isn’t Elon Musk’s Wi Fi Starlink.”

“We spent a fair bit of money to get the signal into the orchard from my old house, but again, that’s just from Starlink, no roaming capability.”

Telstra partnered with Starlink to launch the country’s first satellite-to-mobile texting service in June 2025, following extensive trials. Since April 2025, Telstra engineers sent over 55,000 text messages, including GPS coordinates and emojis, in remote regions like the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Voice calls via satellite are slated for 2027, with potential for low-speed data, promising connectivity lifeline for rural Australians.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 26 June 2025.