Direct to Handset / Direct To Device Technology

A new possibility for connectivity when out of terrestrial mobile range.

What is DTH Technology

Direct-to-Handset (DTH) technology allows mobile phones to connect to ubiquitous baseline coverage using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, offering potential coverage in areas without traditional land-based mobile or Wi-Fi networks. DTH also has the potential to improve the availability of mobile services during disasters and power outages.

Direct to Handset (DTH), also known as Direct to Device (DTD), Direct to Cell (DTC), or Satellite to Mobile (STM), relies on the latest Starlink LEO satellites (around 500 currently). In contrast, Starlink broadband services utilize the entire constellation of approximately 7,500 satellites. While innovative, DTH technology is not a replacement for terrestrial mobile networks or fixed broadband, which provide significantly greater capacity, scalability, and reliability.

Service Release & Updates, compatible devices and plans

7th June 2025: Telstra announced their Satellite Messaging is now available to eligible customers on iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 (all models). For tips on using the Telstra satellite-to-mobile service – see what you’ll need below.

3rd June 2025: Telstra launched their Starlink-backed satellite-to-mobile messaging for Samsung Galaxy S25 series devices (updated with the latest software) – available for consumer and small business customers on Telstra month-to-month mobile plans. More information here Further details of compatible devices and plans for Telstra’s satellite-to-mobile messaging can be found here

15th May 2025: Telstra announced that their Satellite to Mobile (STM) service using Starlink would be available to some consumers – with compatible handsets and plans – in the coming months, you can read more here

Telstra states: “For eligible customers with a Samsung Galaxy S25 series, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models), Telstra Satellite Messaging will be added to your core plan inclusions and you can start using this service as soon as it’s enabled….You will be able to send SMS messages via the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite network to standard Australian and International numbers, in most places throughout Australia when the mobile network is unavailable and you are outdoors with a direct line of sight to the sky.” 

NB: Only available in outdoor areas in mainland Australia and Tasmania, excluding radio quiet zones and remote offshore territories and islands of Australia.

How Does It Work?

DTH services use two main models:

  1. MSS (Mobile-Satellite Service):
  • Works with smartphones that support mobile bands within MSS spectrum.
  • Apple iPhone 14 and above / Globalstar network – Emergency SMS & Find My iPhone tracking features are available in Australia on newer model iPhones running the latest iOS software.
  • Google Pixel 9, Samsung S25 (Verizon)/ Skylo network – Emergency services on these handsets are currently available in the United States, with an expectation to be in Australia at some stage.

2. IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications):

  • Works with standard modern 4G and 5G smartphones with Australian carrier support.
  • Examples in Australia include Starlink with Optus and Telstra, Lynk Global and TPG (rollouts tba). NB: Telstra launched their satellite-to-mobile service on 3rd June 2025 for Samsung Galaxy S25 series devices and on 7th June for eligible customers on iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models), with latest software & on eligible plans.

What to Expect

  • Line of Sight/Outdoors: A clear line of sight to the sky will be essential for a DTH connection. Trees, buildings, or weather may block signals.
  • Only in areas without mobile coverage – there is no way to ‘force’ your phone into ‘satellite’ mode; it will automatically connect only when you are in areas with no mobile coverage.
  • Initial Features: Services will focus on SMS/text messaging only—no photos, videos, or voice calls initially, with plans (no dates as yet) to roll out voice calls and low bandwidth data in the future. NB:  Australia’s emergency services are not equipped for SMS messaging to Triple Zero.
  • Delays: Message transmission times may vary, potentially taking several minutes, depending on your location, device, and the availability of Direct-to-Cell satellites.
  • Coverage: Works only in areas without mobile coverage
  • Battery: Device battery duration may be impacted due to the higher transit power required to use this technology
  • Device Compatibility: Compatibility is expected to be restricted to specific newer mobile devices
  • Doesn’t support emergency broadcasting: DTH services do not currently support emergency broadcasting systems, meaning users will not receive critical emergency alerts such as bushfire warnings, flood updates, or other government-issued safety notifications.
  • Teething Issues Anticipated: Consumers should be prepared for initial challenges during the rollout, including potential reliability issues caused by satellite handovers. It is unknown how Satellite Messaging will interact with or overpower the Apple SOS Satellite Emergency Service and vice versa.

The full extent of the limitations remains unclear due to the absence of real-world user experience data.

What You’ll Need

  • For MSS: A specialised device/handset with satellite capabilities and an active SIM card.
  • For IMT: A compatible smartphone, Australian carrier eligible plan, latest device software updates and active SIM card.

Australian Rollout Status

  • Globalstar: In conjunction with Apple – Emergency SOS/Find My iPhone tracking is already available on iPhone 14+ in Australia, with the latest operating software. More information on how to use it on your iPhone is here
  • Optus/Starlink: SMS/text services are expected in Australia in 2025 (subject to delays).
  • Telstra/Starlink: Launched on 3rd June 2025 for Samsung Galaxy S25 series devices and 7th June for iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models) on eligible plans and with updated software.
  • Lynk Global: Previously partnered with Optus for testing purposes and have also announced a partnership with Telstra and TPG for upcoming trials. No rollout dates announced.
  • Skylo / Garmin, Google and Samsung: Google have partnered with Skylo (a non-terrestrial network service provider) to launch an emergency messaging service.  Skylo has partnered with Omnitouch, Skylo’s Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) test partner, to commence trials in Australia. When the Skylo MSS service is released in Australia, Google’s Pixel 9 is expected to provide a similar emergency SOS service to that of Apple. Whilst the Samsung S25 is also MSS capable; to date Samsung has not entered into a global agreement for MSS emergency SOS support and will require a local mobile service provider to enable such a service e.g. Verizon in the USA. 

NB: At this time, Skylo’s satellite service partners appear to use GEO and not LEO networks. Whilst texting is fine with GEO, voice communications suffer degradation due to high latency.

  • AST SpaceMobile is also developing a network of satellites that will directly connect to mobile phones. Optus announced an MoU with AST Space Mobile on 15 September 2022 to collaborate and test direct satellite to mobile technologies.

Important Considerations

  • Commercial considerations: Pricing details are unclear at this stage, except for Apple’s Emergency SOS/ Find My iphone satellite features, which are currently free for two years with any new iphone purchase. It is uncertain what the cost will be following that two-year period, noting that Apple have recently extended the feature for iPhone 14 users. All types of DTH technology require the consumer to have an active mobile plan/number with an Australian mobile provider.
  • Regulatory considerations: Specific regulatory requirements, particularly regarding emergency services, are yet to be finalised.
  • Supplementary Nature: DTH complements existing terrestrial mobile or fixed networks but will not replace them. High-speed services are unlikely.
  • Environmental Factors: Coverage and performance depend on satellite availability and environmental conditions, such as weather or obstructions.
  • Initial services: DTH will initially be SMS only, text messages (no photos or video attachments) – voice and low bandwidth data and ability to connect Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) devices are expected to be available in the future.
  • DTH services in Australia will exclude Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia where no service is permitted to be provided and Remote Offshore Territories and Islands of Australia. 

A Note of Caution

While DTH technology offers an exciting step forward in telecommunications in remote areas, it is not a silver bullet for rural and remote connectivity. DTH technology has the potential to deliver a baseline connectivity safety net and is not designed to replace fixed broadband. Until the technology has matured and developed, it is recommended consumers continue to consider alternate ways to stay connected when in areas without mobile coverage. BIRRR has this page for consumers on the move here and Telstra state: “Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service, especially as you cannot text Australian emergency responders (e.g. Triple Zero) directly. So, if you’re planning on visiting remote regions, it is always recommended to plan ahead and take extra precautions in the case of an emergency.“

 It’s essential to recognise the limitations of this technology and important for operators and telecommunications providers to manage consumer expectations on what it will deliver. 

Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) 

See Albanese Labor Government building Australia’s mobile future | Ministers for the Department of Infrastructure

In February 2025, the current Federal Labor Government announced a commitment to introduce a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).  If re-elected, the Government proposes to consult and introduce legislation in 2025 to expand the Universal Service Framework to incorporate mobile coverage for the first time. The Albanese Government’s policy objectives are to:

  • expand Triple Zero access for Australians across the nation;
  • expand outdoor voice and SMS coverage into existing mobile black spots; and
  • improve the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.

Implementation of outdoor SMS and voice will be expected by late 2027, with many Australians likely to obtain access before then. Basic mobile data will be considered in the future as technology roadmaps and capacity considerations develop. The Government will work with stakeholders and industry to get the legislation right, including flexibility where warranted by supply, spectrum and other factors.  You can read the BIRRR Media release on the announcement here

Updated 7/6/25, thanks to John Kitchener, Kristy Sparrow, Julie Stott, Ian Kelly , Telstra & Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts