New Zealand Launches First Nationwide Satellite Texting Service from Starlink
SpaceX’s ambitious satellite-to-cell Starlink service has reached a significant milestone, achieving nationwide coverage in New Zealand. This achievement is a testament to the company’s vision of providing high-speed internet and telecommunications services globally, using its constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
First Telecommunications Company Globally to Power Nationwide Satellite Text Messaging Service
One NZ, a leading telecommunications provider in New Zealand, has become the first company worldwide to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink. This milestone marks a significant step towards expanding access to reliable and fast communication services, especially for remote or underserved communities.
Partnerships with International Companies
In addition to its partnership with One NZ, Starlink has also signed up companies in several countries around the world. These partnerships include:
- Canada: Partnering with a leading telecommunications provider to offer satellite-to-cell coverage
- Australia: Collaborating with a major telco to bring high-speed internet and communication services to rural areas
- Japan: Working with a prominent Japanese telecom company to provide advanced telecommunications services
- Peru: Partnering with a local telecom provider to expand access to communication services in remote regions
- Switzerland: Collaborating with a Swiss telco to offer high-speed internet and communication services to rural communities
- Chile: Working with a leading Chilean telecom company to bring reliable and fast communication services
Partnership with T-Mobile in the US
Starlink has also partnered with T-Mobile, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. This partnership will enable T-Mobile customers to access high-speed internet and communication services via Starlink’s satellite constellation.
Supported Phone Models
For now, only four phone models are supported by One NZ’s Satellite TXT service:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: A sleek and versatile flip smartphone
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: A high-end foldable smartphone with advanced features
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A premium Android smartphone with cutting-edge specifications
- OPPO Find X8 Pro: A high-end Android smartphone with advanced camera capabilities
Eligibility Expansion
One NZ expects to expand eligibility to more devices next year, making it easier for customers to access the Starlink Satellite TXT service.
Initial Rollout and Service Limitations
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. 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."
Future Services
In addition to text messaging, One NZ’s Satellite TXT service plans to offer voice calling and data services in the future.
Free Service for Existing Customers
Existing customers on paid-monthly plans with One NZ can access the Starlink Satellite TXT service free of charge. However, it is unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Pilot Program with T-Mobile
Starlink previously piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. Following this pilot program, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for the service in November, and is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year."
The successful launch of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service marks a significant milestone in the development of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell technology. As the company continues to expand its partnerships and services, it brings us one step closer to a world where reliable and fast communication is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
References
- [1] "SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite-to-Cell Service Hits Nationwide Coverage Milestone in New Zealand." CNBC, 2023.
- [2] "One NZ Announces Partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink for Satellite-Based Communication Services." Stuff.co.nz, 2023.
- [3] "T-Mobile and SpaceX Partner to Launch High-Speed Internet and Communication Services via Starlink." PR Newswire, 2023.
