New Zealand Launches Nation’s First Nationwide Satellite Texting Service Powered by Starlink

In a significant milestone for SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service, it has reached nationwide coverage in New Zealand. One NZ, the country’s first telecommunications company to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink, has announced that the service is now live.

Global Partnerships and Expanding Reach

Starlink has formed partnerships with various telecommunications companies around the world, including:

• Canada: Starlink has partnered with Canadian telecommunications provider, Bell.
• Australia: The company has collaborated with Telstra, one of Australia’s leading telcos.
• Japan: Starlink has partnered with Japanese carrier, KDDI.
• Peru: The service is now available in Peru through a partnership with Claro Perú.
• Switzerland: Swisscom and Starlink have formed a partnership to bring the satellite-to-cell service to Switzerland.
• Chile: The company has partnered with Entel, one of Chile’s major telecommunications providers.

In addition to these partnerships, Starlink has also signed up with T-Mobile in the US. This collaboration will allow T-Mobile customers to access the Starlink beta program early next year.

Initial Rollout and Limitations

The initial rollout of One NZ Satellite TXT, as it is known, comes with some limitations. Currently, only four phone models are supported:

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: This device is one of the first to support satellite text messaging via Starlink.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: The foldable version of Samsung’s flagship smartphone also supports the service.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Another high-end Samsung device, this phone can send and receive text messages using Starlink.
4. OPPO Find X8 Pro: This premium OPPO device is part of the initial rollout.

Eligibility for the service is expected to expand to more devices next year.

Performance Expectations

According to One NZ, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout. However, this may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months. The company’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, noted that:

‘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.’

Goddard also mentioned that the service will start with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology.

Future Developments

One NZ Satellite TXT will initially only offer text messaging capabilities. However, in the future, customers can expect voice calling and data services to be available as well.

Availability and Pricing

The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it is unclear if new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.

Previous Pilot Program

Before launching the nationwide service in New Zealand, Starlink piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The company received FCC approval for the service in November.

As Starlink continues to expand its reach and capabilities, it is clear that this technology has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications globally. With partnerships already established in multiple countries, it will be interesting to see how this service evolves and impacts the industry as a whole.