New tech to revolutionise outdoor adventures: ‘Definitely beneficial’

The Australian wilderness beckons with its rugged beauty and promises of adventure, but it also poses challenges that can turn a dream getaway into a survival scenario.

For many of us, this call of the wild is irresistible, yet the importance of staying connected for safety reasons cannot be overstated. Because in conquering the vast Australian landscape, the risk of becoming lost or encountering danger has been a concern.

Fortunately, a groundbreaking development is on the horizon that could revolutionise the way we explore the great outdoors.

A new collaboration between Telstra and Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink company is set to introduce a feature that will keep outdoor lovers connected even in the most remote locations, offering an extra layer of security and peace of mind when venturing off-grid.

This satellite-to-mobile technology will allow individuals in remote areas to send text messages and, in the future, make voice calls and access data without the need for a specialised phone.

The technology, which is currently being tested and refined, leverages Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity. This service has already made a significant impact on how Australians work and travel, with devices popping up in campsites, caravans, four-wheel drives, and even on cruise ships.

One Queensland father has been able to run his software company from the road, a feat he attributes to the connectivity provided by his Starlink device. This level of internet access not only offered him convenience but also enabled a lifestyle that many of us aspire to – a life where work and wanderlust can coexist harmoniously

Outback Mike is an adventurer, filmmaker, YouTuber, author, and podcaster. Image Source: Facebook / Outback Mike

Survival expert Mike Atkinson, affectionately known as Outback Mike, has praised the upcoming technology, stating that it will ‘definitely be beneficial’ for Australians.

He highlighted the importance of being able to communicate when in trouble, emphasising that with this technology, ‘you’re never going to be out of full phone coverage so you have always got that working device.’

However, Mike also reminds us of the limitations, such as the possibility of a phone’s battery dying. This is why he advocates for preparedness in the outback, suggesting that solo hikers carry an emergency personal locator beacon (PLB) as a backup.

The recent search and rescue mission for 23-year-old hiker Hadi Nazari, who was found alive after 13 days of being lost in the NSW Snowy Mountains, underscores the importance of such technology. Hadi’s ordeal, compounded by a flat phone battery, could have had a different outcome with the ability to send a distress signal via satellite.

The Telstra-Starlink partnership is set to extend the reach of satellite-to-mobile technology, which currently allows for emergency messaging outside of mobile coverage areas. This expansion will cover most outdoor areas in mainland Australia and Tasmania, provided there is a direct line of sight to the sky.

Meanwhile, Shailin Sehgal, group executive of global networks and tech at Telstra, acknowledges the vastness of Australia’s landmass and the limitations of mobile and fixed networks.

‘Australia’s landmass is vast and there will always be large areas where mobile and fixed networks do not reach, and this is where satellite technology will play a complementary role to our existing networks,’ he said.

As we eagerly anticipate the rollout of this transformative technology, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where satellite-to-mobile connectivity could have made a difference? How do you prepare for safety when embarking on an off-grid adventure?

Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know how you stay connected while enjoying the beauty of the country’s wilderness.

Also read: Five of the best camping spots in NSW

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

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