Why is my Samsung device not compatible with Telstra Satellite Messaging?

A small number of Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 FE devices purchased outside of Telstra, don’t have the necessary software to access Telstra Satellite Messaging and a software update won’t fix the issue.

So this could impact your ability to make voice calls over Wi-Fi, including an emergency call to Triple Zero (000), in the rare situation your device is connected to both Telstra Satellite Messaging and Wi-Fi at the same time – for example, if you were standing on your veranda using the home Wi-Fi and connected to Telstra Satellite Messaging.

To ensure we’re keeping you safe and connected, we need to make a small change to these Samsung devices so voice calls, including emergency calls, are always available.

We’re directly contacting impacted customers and letting them know that from 5 December 2025:

• We’ll remove Telstra Satellite Messaging access on these devices to make sure emergency calling will always work.
• Your device will still work as normal on Telstra’s mobile network, nothing changes for your everyday calls, texts, and data.

We’ve worked closely with Samsung to ensure devices sold by Telstra are satellite-aware, and we’ll keep collaborating to improve compatibility.

Telstra Satellite Messaging is an exciting step forward, but it’s still new technology that is designed to complement, not replace, the mobile network. 

Telstra Satellite Messaging is designed to keep you connected when you’re beyond the reach of Telstra’s mobile network. To use Telstra Satellite Messaging, you’ll need three things:

• A compatible device – Compatible devices include certain smartphones with satellite messaging capabilities. Check eligible devices.  
• The latest software update – make sure your phone is up to date so it can automatically switch to satellite when needed.
• A Telstra Upfront Mobile plan (or equivalent business plan).

When you’re outdoors with a clear line of sight to the sky and outside mobile coverage, your device will connect to the Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite network so you can send and receive SMS. Telstra Satellite Messaging is a complementary service, not a replacement for our mobile network, and it currently supports text messaging only, not calls or data. 

Learn more about Telstra Satellite Messaging.