TPG turns to satellites to boost regional Vodafone network coverage

By Alex Choros

Last updated 28 August 2024

TPG has entered an agreement with Lynk Global that will allow customers on the Vodafone mobile network to send text messages even when they don't have coverage.

Lynk Global has a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that it describes as "cell-towers-in-space". The satellites broadcast mobile spectrum, so customers of providers who've partnered with Lynk Global can connect to them without their existing phones without the need for any special equipment.

TPG and Lynk plan to start testing the technology in 2025. Functionality will initially be limited to text messages (over-the-top messaging services like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp won't work), but Lynk has plans to introduce voice and basic data services in the future.

Telstra announced it entered a partnership with Lynk Global at the start of the year to offer the same kind of functionality, but it has framed it as a trial rather than a firm commitment like TPG.

TPG and Telstra's partnerships with Lynk are similar to the initiative Optus is undertaking with Starlink. When Optus' network isn't available, customers will be able to connect to next-generation satellites for a basic level of mobile service. The service is set to launch this year, and will initially allow users to send and receive text messages. Optus says the ability to make calls and use mobile internet will follow in late 2025.

TPG says the partnership with Lynk would give it "near-100% mobile coverage". A clear view of the sky is necessary for accessing mobile connectivity via satellites, however, so these kinds of deployments won't boost coverage for anyone using their phones indoors.

Satellite isn't the only plan TPG has for expanding its network footprint. In April, TPG and Optus entered a network sharing agreement with Optus that would allow all Vodafone network customers to use the Optus network in regional Australia. This would expand the Vodafone network footprint to 98.4% of the population, up from 96%.

The agreement is currently undergoing regulatory approvals.

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