Farmers thank their stars for connection boost

NSW Farmers has welcomed the announcement of a partnership between Telstra and Starlink to deliver satellite voice and broadband connections across Australia.

The agreement will mean connectivity in paddocks and along roads thanks to Elon Musk’s satellite network, and professional setup and support from Telstra, according to NSW Farmers Western Division Council chair Gerard Glover.

“This is yet another way we’re seeing innovative technologies used to solve everyday problems in the bush,” Mr Glover said.

“While we will continue to work and advocate for improved mobile phone coverage and service, this will virtually ‘unlock’ a lot of places that have never had service before.

“We would hope that as we see more of these technologies come online, we’ll see more and more people in rural and remote be able to connect with the world.”

According to a statement from Telstra, the Starlink agreement would provide an additional connectivity option for people and businesses in rural and remote locations where distance and terrain made it difficult to reach with existing networks. Part of Telstra’s commitment to launch a satellite product with the voice and broadband options being available to consumer and business customers, the new offering would sit alongside other voice and broadband technologies such as nbn Fixed Wireless, Telstra’s own mobile network and older copper and radio networks.

Pricing and device details were expected to be released in late 2023.