Satellite SMS a plus for farm safety and business

In a remarkable step forward in technology, the Northern Midlands Business Association has joined Telstra in testing and launching the new Telstra Satellite Messaging service - the first satellite-to-mobile text messaging service in Australia. 

Telstra Satellite Messaging is up and running, giving customers the ability to send or receive a text from an outdoor location that is beyond the range of Telstra’s mobile network.   

It is at no extra cost with most personal and small business Telstra plans, and works automatically with a wide range of existing phone handsets.

"The ability to send and receive texts from anywhere will be a huge benefit for businesses, as well as ensuring emergency contact outside existing mobile phone coverage areas," NMBA board member and long-term advocate for Northern Midlands telecommunications Richard Duncan said.

"Most people will not have to change their plan or phone to automatically send and receive SMS from any outdoor area".

NMBA joined Telstra and TasFarmers in putting Telstra Satellite imaging to the test in a low-lying area near Blessington, which currently has no mobile coverage.

"With no changes to my settings, phone or plan, I could immediately send and receive texts where it was impossible before." Richard said.  

"The only indication was my phone's status bar changing to Telstra SpaceX SAT".

“It will be of particular benefit to members who live, work or travel in regional and remote parts of Tasmania. For example, a farmer in the back paddock who wants to text his family or workers, instead of having to drive back closer to the house to get reception.

"In my rural fencing business, a constant concern is having an accident in an area with no phone coverage and being unable to get help."  Richard said.  

"That concern is now a thing of the past and I am convinced that we will hear of this service saving not just money and time, but also lives."

While the service currently supports text messaging only, in the future, satellite to mobile capability is expected to include data and making calls.  This could, for example, allow farmers to use apps to remotely control gates, irrigation, and other enabled devices.

Customers will need a compatible device to access this service at no additional cost under eligible plans - click here for information and other FAQ’s.