Telstra Undergoes Examination by Communications Department Regarding Outback LEO Satellite Interruptions
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Quick Overview
- Telstra’s small cell mobile base stations located in remote regions are being examined for connectivity problems.
- Reported voice dropouts during emergency calls have been noted, influencing response times.
- Telstra employs Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellites for connectivity; however, coverage gaps are leading to issues.
- Geopolitical elements, including the Russia-Ukraine war, are affecting satellite rollout.
- Telstra is collaborating with Eutelsat to enhance and rectify satellite coverage.
Investigation by the Department of Communications
The federal government has initiated an inquiry into Telstra’s small cell mobile base stations situated in Australia’s remote areas, following reports of connectivity issues. These stations depend on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for operations but have faced notable outages that hinder emergency services.
Emergency Incident Reveals Problems
An episode at Tirranna Springs, Queensland, brought the issue to light when Jil Wilson tried to reach emergency services after a staff member’s vehicle caught fire. Voice dropouts during her 000 calls complicated attempts to quickly dispatch an ambulance.
Telstra’s Small Cell Issues
Since 2024, Telstra has seen a surge in outages that coincide with the rollout of Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellites. The number of outages has escalated sharply, from 3614 in 2024 to 5221 in 2025.
Community Concerns and the Role of BIRRR
The community organization Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) asserts that Telstra is minimizing the effects of these outages. They have reported regular communication failures, even when connections to satellites are intact.
Regulatory Uncertainty
There seems to be a regulatory uncertainty regarding Telstra’s responsibility to report failures in triple zero calls. While systemic failures need to be logged, individual satellite connectivity-related issues have not been rigorously tested.
Geopolitical Factors and Satellite Coverage
Telstra links some of the coverage deficiencies to geopolitical issues, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has impeded satellite launches. Eutelsat is striving to broaden satellite capacity, recently placing orders for new satellites and securing launch agreements.
Conclusion
Telstra’s small cell stations in remote locales are under scrutiny due to connectivity problems that affect emergency calls. These outages are tied to gaps in LEO satellite coverage, worsened by geopolitical factors. Both Telstra and Eutelsat are working together to tackle these challenges.