Starlink Launches Nationwide Satellite Texting Service in New Zealand

In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement is particularly notable as it marks the first time that a telecommunications company globally has powered a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.

Expansion of Coverage and Partnerships

The success of One NZ’s Starlink-powered service comes on the heels of partnerships signed with several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Additionally, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, further expanding its reach. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for reliable and efficient satellite communication services.

Supported Devices and Future Plans

Currently, only four phone models are supported by One NZ’s Satellite TXT service: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. However, eligibility is expected to expand to more devices in the coming year, making this service even more accessible to a wider range of users.

As for the capabilities of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service, 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 as the technology is further tested and refined. According to One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard:

"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."

Key Features and Limitations

One NZ’s Satellite TXT service offers a range of features, including:

• Text messaging: The ability to send and receive text messages via satellite.
• Limited voice calling: While not currently available, One NZ expects to offer voice calling capabilities in the future.
• Data services: Additionally, data services will be made available through Starlink’s satellite-to-cell network.

However, it’s essential to note that this service is limited to existing customers on paid-monthly plans. It remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access the satellite-to-cell coverage.

Free Service for Existing Customers

For existing One NZ customers on paid-monthly plans, the Satellite TXT service will be available at no extra cost. This is a significant benefit, as users can enjoy reliable and efficient text messaging services without incurring any additional charges.

Previous Pilots and Future Developments

In October, Starlink piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Following this successful pilot, the FCC granted T-Mobile approval for the service in November. As a result, T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year."

Conclusion

The nationwide coverage milestone achieved by One NZ’s Starlink-powered service marks an exciting development in the world of telecommunications. With its focus on providing reliable and efficient communication services, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of what is possible through its satellite-to-cell technology.

As this service expands to more devices and countries, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the benefits and limitations of Starlink’s text-by-satellite capabilities. For now, existing One NZ customers on paid-monthly plans can enjoy the convenience of free text messaging services via their supported devices.