Starlink Launches First Nationwide Satellite Texting Service in New Zealand

January 10, 2025February 6, 2025 EquityExplained

In a significant milestone for telecommunications, One NZ has announced that its nationwide satellite text messaging service powered by SpaceX’s Starlink has been launched in New Zealand. This achievement makes One NZ the first telecommunications company globally to offer such a service on a national scale.

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Partnerships and Global Reach

Starlink has also secured partnerships with several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Furthermore, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, indicating a growing presence in the global market.

Supported Devices

However, there are limitations to the service’s accessibility. 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 is expected to expand to more devices next year.

Initial Rollout and Performance

One NZ has informed that 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. One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, emphasized that "we continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better."

Future Developments

Goddard further stated that text messages will take longer to send but will become quicker over time. The company has begun with a small number of phones as part of a staggered rollout of the technology. Crucially, customers can currently only send and receive text messages, but in the future, voice calling and data are expected to also be available.

Availability and Pricing

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.

Previous Pilots and Testing

Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. 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.’

Key Takeaways

One NZ’s nationwide satellite text messaging service powered by SpaceX’s Starlink has been launched in New Zealand.
The service makes One NZ the first telecommunications company globally to offer such a service on a national scale.
Starlink has partnerships with several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile.
Partnerships include T-Mobile in the US, indicating a growing presence in the global market.
Currently, only four phone models are supported: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will new customers be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage?
A: The availability of this service for new customers is unclear.
Q: Are there any limitations to the service’s accessibility?
A: Yes, currently only four phone models are supported.
Q: What can I expect from One NZ Satellite TXT in terms of performance?
A: Text messages will take longer to send but will become quicker over time.