Telstra expands satellite text messaging to Pixel

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 18 December 2025

Telstra's Starlink-powered satellite text messaging now works on select Google Pixel devices, following a rollout on iPhone and Galaxy S25 devices earlier this year.

Satellite Messaging is now available on all handsets in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 families, including the foldable variants. Customers need to be on a Telstra Upfront plan, and need to ensure their Pixel is running the latest software.

Only "Rest of World" Pixel variant sold in markets like Australia will work with Satellite Messaging. Models made for the United States or Japan won't support the feature at all.

A Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut that all eligible models sold through Telstra will definitely work with Satellite Messaging, but compatibility may vary for devices bought elsewher .

Telstra has also added Satellite Messaging support to Samsung's Galaxy A17 5G.

The tech allows Telstra customers to send text messages via satellite when they don't have mobile coverage, but it is positioned as a "just-in-case" option. The satellites only have enough bandwidth for old-school text messages, rather than over-the-top apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. MMS is currently out of the question. Messages may also take several minutes to send and receive.

A clear view of the sky is necessary for Satellite Messaging to work. Even a veranda could be enough to interrupt connectivity.

Notably, Telstra Satellite Messaging isn't designed to be an emergency service, since there's no way to text Australian emergency responders.

Telstra Satellite Messaging is available for no extra cost for customers on Upfront mobile plans.

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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