Introduction
In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a telecommunications company has powered a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink globally. One NZ, a leading telecommunications provider in New Zealand, has successfully partnered with Starlink to offer this innovative service.
Global Partnerships
In addition to its partnership with One NZ, Starlink has also signed up partners in several other countries, including:
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Peru
- Switzerland
- Chile
These partnerships demonstrate the growing interest and adoption of satellite-to-cell technology globally. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, marking a significant step towards expanding its services to more regions.
Supported Devices
Initially, only four phone models are supported by One NZ’s Satellite TXT service:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- OPPO Find X8 Pro
However, eligibility is expected to expand to more devices next year. This expansion will enable a broader range of customers to access the benefits of satellite-to-cell technology.
Service Rollout and Performance
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, this may increase to ’10 minutes or longer’ during the first few months as the service continues to improve.
One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, has emphasized that the company is committed to continuously testing and improving the capabilities of its satellite-to-cell service. In an interview, he stated: "We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better. For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."
Staggered Rollout and Future Plans
The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be rolled out in phases, with a small number of phones being supported initially. This staggered approach enables the company to test and refine its technology before expanding it to more devices.
In the future, customers can expect voice calling and data services to become available as part of the Starlink package. Currently, only text messaging is supported, but this will change as the service evolves.
Pricing and Availability
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 be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
One NZ has not disclosed any information about pricing for its Starlink-based services, leaving many questions unanswered. It is likely that the company will provide more details in the coming months as the service expands and matures.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved a significant milestone with its nationwide coverage in New Zealand. The partnership between One NZ and Starlink demonstrates the growing interest in satellite-to-cell technology, which offers a reliable alternative to traditional cellular networks. As the service continues to improve and expand, we can expect more devices to be supported, and new features to become available.
Additional Information
For customers who are interested in learning more about the One NZ Satellite TXT service or would like to sign up for the beta program, they can visit One NZ’s website. Customers can also reach out to One NZ’s customer support team for assistance with any questions or concerns.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand
- One NZ is the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink
- The service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans, but pricing information for new customers or those on other contracts remains unclear
- Eligibility is expected to expand to more devices next year, with voice calling and data services becoming available in the future
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