Starlink's satellite revolution challenges Australian telcos

7News Just In · Jul 21, 2026 · 1m

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network is emerging as a challenger to traditional mobile phone carriers in Australia, promising direct connectivity from space without towers or black spots within two years. Telstra already resells Starlink's satellite service to cover areas beyond its tower reach, following two major network outages that shook public confidence in under 12 months. The technology requires line of sight to the sky and faces limitations inside buildings or under trees without external antennas, but experts predict eight low-earth orbit operators will compete globally within 10…