Optus quietly delays mobile-to-satellite service launch

Optus has quietly paused the launch of its satellite-to-mobile service launch following its partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink.

The Singtel-owned telco signed a deal with SpaceX in 2023 to provide satellite-to-mobile text message services initially, followed by voice and data.

However, the telco confirmed to iTnews, that it had missed its original 2024 deadline for satellite-to-mobile text messages and was reviewing its current delivery milestones.

The telco had planned to bring the service to voice and data this year.

In a statement, an Optus spokesperson said: “Optus is working with SpaceX to conduct local testing and we’re re-evaluating our timelines to deliver this product with the best possible experience for customers.

“We continue to be committed to using low earth orbit (LEO) satellite direct-to-mobile technology to connect our customers.”

Optus, however, noted the recent launch of its Satellite Internet for Business last year.

“We continue to work together on cutting-edge direct-to-mobile technology which has previously not been possible in Australia.”

The update follows Telstra inking an agreement with SpaceX for similar Starlink services last week.

Like Optus, Telstra is trialling the satellite-to-mobile text messaging first and will expand the agreement to cover “voice and low-speed data to smartphones across Australia” in the “longer term”.