In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that One NZ, the telecommunications company powering this service via Starlink, claims to be the first company globally to offer a nationwide satellite text messaging service.
Global Partnerships and Expansion
The success of One NZ’s Starlink-powered service has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the growing list of international partnerships. In addition to New Zealand, Starlink has partnered with telecommunications companies in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Moreover, Starlink has also partnered with T-Mobile in the US, further expanding its reach.
Eligible Devices and Limitations
For now, only four phone models are supported by the One NZ Satellite TXT service: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. However, it is expected that eligibility will expand to more devices next year.
While users can send and receive text messages with relative ease during the initial rollout – most messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ – there may be some limitations to contend with in the first few months. "We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better," said Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ. "For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."
Service Capabilities and Future Development
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 need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
While the initial rollout is limited to text messaging only, One NZ has announced that voice calling and data services are expected to become available in the future. In fact, the company’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, has hinted at a broader range of features being developed for the Starlink-powered service.
Previous Pilots and FCC Approval
Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The success of these pilots paved the way for T-Mobile to secure FCC 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." This move marks an important step towards making satellite-to-cell technology more widely available in the US and other countries.
Conclusion
The achievement of nationwide coverage by One NZ’s Starlink-powered service in New Zealand represents a significant milestone for SpaceX and its partners. With its growing list of international partnerships and expanding range of features, it is clear that Starlink is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of telecommunications.
As the technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see more widespread adoption and innovative applications of satellite-to-cell connectivity. Whether you’re a consumer looking for reliable coverage or a business seeking to expand your reach, Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service is undoubtedly worth keeping an eye on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the One NZ Satellite TXT service?
A: The One NZ Satellite TXT service is a nationwide text messaging service powered by SpaceX’s Starlink technology. It offers users the ability to send and receive text messages using satellite-to-cell connectivity.
Q: Which phone models are currently supported by the service?
A: Currently, only four phone models are supported by the 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 next year.
Q: How long does it take for text messages to be sent and received?
A: During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, this may increase to 10 minutes or longer in the first few months as the service continues to evolve.
Q: Will voice calling and data services become available in the future?
A: Yes, One NZ has announced that voice calling and data services are expected to become available in the future.
Q: How much will new customers need to pay for the service?
A: It is unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
