(Reuters) – Leading Australian telecommunications company Telstra ( OTC: ) said on Thursday it is partnering with billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring satellite connectivity technology to its regional customers.
Telstra has teamed up with satellite internet provider Starlink to bring the latter’s Starlink-to-Mobile technology to Australia, enabling the US company to deliver satellite broadband directly to compatible mobile phones, particularly in remote areas.
“The collaboration would enable Telstra customers to send and receive SMS on a compatible mobile phone in most parts of Australia where there is direct line of sight to the sky,” Telstra Group Global Network and Technology CEO Shailin Sehgal said.
This is not the first collaboration between the two companies; In 2023, Telstra signed an agreement with Starlink to offer voice-only and voice-plus broadband services in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Additionally, US electric vehicle maker Tesla (NASDAQ: ), where Musk is CEO, is chaired by Robyn Denholm, Telstra’s former head of finance and operations.
