Telstra + Starlink: A Game Changer for Outdoor Safety… or Not Yet?

Last week I headed out bush with 18 Year 9 students in tow for a seven-day expedition. It was my third time leading this particular program, but that doesn't make it easy.

For four days we travel through a remote gorge with the simple objective of getting from the eastern end to the western end using our judgement. Some groups rock-hop. Others climb out of the gorge and rejoin it further downstream. Some swim across waterholes to avoid cliffs or waterfalls. The remaining days take us through privately owned cattle stations, where a wrong turn could leave you facing ravines, or worse, an unhappy landholder for crossing their boundary.

Needless to say, good navigation and sound decision-making are essential.

I had everything I needed to keep both myself and my group safe: shelter, food, water purification, first aid equipment, rope, a Garmin satellite communicator, a satellite phone, and my iPhone 17 with offline GPX maps downloaded.

But then something happened on 28 July that I wasn't expecting...

Suddenly my phone started receiving notifications.

Not mobile reception, but satellite connectivity.

I could send photos via text, update my work WhatsApp chat, check my location on AllTrails, and access weather information. I already knew about the ability to send satellite text messages (I used it earlier this year on Tasmania's South Coast Track to get weather updates from Mum) but I had no idea I'd suddenly have access to so much more.

Telstra has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to bring satellite messaging to compatible mobile phones. Depending on your eligible device and Telstra plan, many users can now access selected messaging, mapping and weather apps even when they're outside the mobile network.

According to Telstra, customers on eligible Upfront Mobile and Telstra Business Mobile plans with supported devices (including iPhone 13 and newer, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 family) can now access selected satellite-enabled apps, with more compatible devices expected over time.

As an outdoor guide, I think this is fantastic news.

But I also think it's important to understand what it can (and can't) do.

Despite being out of phone range in a remote gorge last week, I started receiving messenger notifications!

The Pros

1. More peace of mind in remote areas

One of the biggest barriers I hear from women wanting to hike or paddle in remote places is:

"What if something goes wrong and I don't have phone reception?"

Being able to send a message from your normal phone is a huge step forward.

Whether it's letting your family know you're running late, updating your emergency contact, or checking the latest weather forecast before crossing an exposed ridgeline, satellite connectivity adds another valuable layer of reassurance.

2. No special satellite device required

Unlike traditional satellite communication, this technology works on compatible everyday smartphones.

No separate satellite phone.

No extra antenna.

For many people, that makes remote communication far more accessible and affordable.

3. A big win for regional Australia

Australia has some of the most spectacular remote landscapes in the world, and enormous areas without mobile coverage.

Technology like this has the potential to make exploring those places safer and more connected than ever before.

The Cons (and why I won't be changing my safety advice)

As exciting as this technology is, it isn't a replacement for good preparation.

1. It still has limitations

While there are now a handful of supported apps available beyond simple text messaging, you still can't make normal phone calls or call emergency services the way you can with a satellite phone.

You could, however, message a family member or friend and ask them to contact emergency services on your behalf if needed.

2. Messages aren't always instant

Satellite communication is intermittent.

Depending on where you are and the position of the satellites, messages may take several minutes (or longer) to send or receive.

I noticed this myself last week, particularly when sending photos through WhatsApp.

3. You still need the right conditions

To connect, you'll generally need:

• A compatible phone

• An eligible Telstra plan

• A clear view of the sky

Dense forest, steep gorges, buildings and heavy overhead cover can all affect your connection.

4. It doesn't replace your emergency plan

Telstra is clear that its satellite messaging service is not designed to replace emergency communication devices, and continues to recommend that people travelling into remote areas carry appropriate emergency equipment.

Personally?

If I'm heading somewhere truly remote, I'll still carry my Garmin satellite communicator and continue leaving detailed trip intentions with someone I trust before every hike.

My Take

I genuinely think this technology is going to make outdoor adventures more accessible and provide another valuable layer of safety for Australians.

But I also think there's a danger in assuming that better technology means less personal responsibility.

Whether you carry a satellite communicator, a PLB or a phone with satellite messaging, the fundamentals haven't changed.

Leave trip intentions.

Know your route.

Understand the weather.

Carry appropriate gear.

Develop your navigation skills.

And perhaps most importantly, learn how to make good decisions before things become an emergency.

Technology is an incredible backup.

But it should never replace preparation.

The women I hope to create through Enliven aren't simply the ones with the latest gadgets.

They're the women who know how to make good decisions.

Women who know when to turn around.

Women who understand risk.

Women who can confidently take care of themselves and the people they're hiking with.

That's what becoming self-led outdoors really means.

And yes... while I'm thrilled to have weather updates and better maps in remote areas, I'm also slightly mourning the fact that it's becoming harder to truly switch off when WhatsApp notifications start appearing halfway through a gorge!

Ready to become more capable outdoors?

If reading this made you realise there are a few gaps in your own hiking knowledge, that's exactly why I created Hike Ready.

Hike Ready is a six-week online pathway guiding women from curious to capable on multi-day hikes. Together we'll cover navigation, trip planning, gear, emergency preparedness, risk management and everything else you need to become more confident and self-led outdoors.

Our first live call is Wednesday 5 August, and there are still a few places available. I'd love to have you join us.