TPG strikes satellite deal to erase mobile dead zones – a rural rescue or Optus rivalry?
Will this give TPG a leg up against Optus and Telstra?
TPG's signed a non-exclusive partnership deal with US satellite company Lynk Global for "near-100% coverage" to "eliminate mobile dead zones around Australia".
Key takeaways
- The partnership will launch with 'sat2phone' satellite technology for TPG/Vodafone's mobile customers, with initial text message trials starting in 2025.
- It will give TPG the ability to address coverage gaps in rural and remote Australia. Standard mobile phones will be able to connect to Lynk's constellation of Low Earth Orbit Satellites.
- Eventually, the technology may be able to help TPG deliver basic voice, text and data services to coverage gaps in very remote locations.
- This isn't an alternative to terrestrial mobile services but can be seen as more of an extension.
- We won't know of any handset limitations until after the trial really, but we've reached out to Lynk for a comment and will update you soon.
"We are excited to collaborate with Lynk Global to deliver mobile connectivity in the hardest-to-reach places in Australia," said TPG Telecom chief technology officer, Giovanni Chiarelli.
Combining innovative technologies like sat2phone with our mobile network would bring much-needed connectivity to those living and working in remote and rural locations and could play a critical role in delivering life-saving services.
How does TPG's partnership with Lynk rival Optus's Starlink deal?
In July 2023, Optus shook things up by announcing a partnership with Starlink, making it the first telco to offer satellite-to-phone service across Australia.
The plan? To start rolling out SMS by late 2024, with voice and data following in late 2025, all powered by Starlink's cutting-edge satellite tech.
This puts Optus slightly ahead in the race.
But let's not forget - this satellite move is entirely separate from the network-sharing deal between Optus and TPG, which was sealed in April 2024.
- For TPG, the deal will give it access to 2,444 Optus mobile network sites in regional Australia.
- Its 4G footprint will increase from 96% to 98.4% of the population.
- Optus's 4G network reaches 98.8% of the population while Telstra's figure sits at 99.5%.
At the time, Optus interim CEO Michael Venter said the agreement was "a significant win" for those living in regional Australia.
We also asked TPG how both the satellite and network-sharing deals would benefit its mobile customers.
"Our proposed regional network sharing deal will enhance TPG Telecom's mobile coverage in regional areas, and the Lynk partnership will further extend that reach, enabling us to cover remote locations where mobile towers don't exist," a TPG spokesperson told Finder.
"By combining these innovative technologies, TPG Telecom is committed to improving connectivity and supporting Australians as they travel, work and live across our vast continent."
What does all of this mean for us?
Well, it means more competition between Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone and more mobile plan options for us, especially those in regional and remote areas of Australia.
And not just for those living there, but also for people who travel around the country.
However, no magic wand will make all of this happen overnight. But at least there's good news on the horizon.
If you're not happy with your current network coverage or how much you're paying, it might be time to compare mobile plans and find a better deal. It's one of the easiest bills to tackle in just a few minutes.