Telstra, an Australian telecommunications company, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring improved services to remote areas in Australia. The agreement marks a world-first collaboration between Starlink and an Australian company.
Telstra will leverage Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to offer bundled services that include home phone and broadband to customers in rural regions that currently lack access to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Under the partnership, Telstra customers will receive the added benefits of local technical support and the option of professional installation for their devices.
In addition to residential customers, Telstra aims to cater to business customers by providing higher bandwidth options in areas where fixed and mobile connectivity is limited.
The joint offering is expected to become available to Telstra customers in Australia and select international markets by the end of 2023. Pricing details and plan information will be disclosed at a later date.
Starlink’s satellite connectivity operates through a “constellation” of low orbit satellites, allowing for faster signal transmission compared to traditional geostationary satellites. This results in reduced latency, making it an ideal solution for applications requiring low latency, such as voice and video calls.
Telstra highlights that the proximity of Starlink’s satellites ensures superior performance and a more consistent experience compared to copper-based ADSL connections, aligning well with modern connectivity needs.
By embracing Starlink’s technology, Telstra aims to bridge the digital divide in Australia, particularly in remote areas where the challenges of distance and terrain have hindered quality connectivity through traditional terrestrial networks.
Telstra’s commitment to improving connectivity for all Australians, regardless of their location, is exemplified by their dedicated efforts to test and adapt their modems to support Starlink connectivity. The partnership represents a significant step towards closing the digital divide across the country.
Telstra expressed enthusiasm about unveiling the Starlink service later in the year and reinforcing their mission to bring enhanced connectivity to Australians, emphasizing their belief in connectivity for all, irrespective of where individuals live, work, or play. With the integration of Starlink’s LEO satellites, Telstra aims to bring Australia closer to achieving this vision of a connected nation.