Starlink Launches First Nationwide Satellite Texting Service in New Zealand
One NZ has achieved a significant milestone in telecommunications by becoming the first company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via SpaceX’s Starlink. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in providing reliable and accessible communication services, especially in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
Starlink Partnerships Expand Globally
In addition to its partnership with One NZ in New Zealand, Starlink has signed up partners in various countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Furthermore, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, further expanding its reach and capabilities.
Limited Device Support at Launch
Although Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service has reached a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand, there are some limitations to note. Currently, only four phone models are supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. Eligibility for using Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service is expected to expand to more devices in the coming year.
Text Messaging Service Details
During the initial rollout of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, this may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months. One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, explained that they continue to test the capabilities of the satellite-to-cell technology and that the initial service will improve over time.
Expectations for Future Developments
In the future, customers can expect voice calling and data services to become available on top of text messaging. The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Previous Pilots and Future Plans
The Starlink text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The pilot program was successful, leading to T-Mobile being granted FCC approval for the service in November. Now, T-Mobile is signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year," marking a significant step forward in making satellite-to-cell services more widely available.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved a major milestone with its nationwide coverage in New Zealand, paving the way for reliable and accessible communication services. As partnerships expand globally and device support increases, it is clear that satellite-to-cell technology will play an increasingly important role in providing connectivity to underserved communities. With ongoing testing and improvements, One NZ’s Satellite TXT service is poised to become a vital tool for communication in areas with limited or no internet access.
Technical Details
- Service Availability: The One NZ Satellite TXT service is available nationwide in New Zealand.
- Device Support: Currently, only four phone models are supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. Eligibility for using Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service is expected to expand to more devices in the coming year.
- Text Messaging Service: Most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, although this may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-to-cell service developed by SpaceX that provides reliable and accessible communication services.
- Which countries are currently partnered with Starlink?
Currently, Starlink has signed up partners in New Zealand (One NZ), Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, Chile, and the US (T-Mobile).
- What devices are supported for the One NZ Satellite TXT service?
Only four phone models are currently supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
- Will new customers or those on other contracts need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage?
It remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
- When can I expect voice calling and data services to become available on top of text messaging?
Customers can expect voice calling and data services to become available in the future, although a specific timeline has not been announced.
