Starlink’s Nationwide Satellite Texting Service Launches in New Zealand

In a significant development in the world of telecommunications, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement is all the more impressive considering that One NZ, a telecommunications company based in New Zealand, claims to be the first globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.

Partnerships and Expansions

One NZ’s success with Starlink has not gone unnoticed, as the company has already signed up partners in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Additionally, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, further expanding its reach.

Supported Devices and Eligibility

At present, 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 next year.

Service Limitations and Expected Improvements

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 as the service continues to develop. One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, commented on the initial limitations of the service:

"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 emphasized that the company is beginning with a small number of phones as part of a staggered rollout of the technology. He further stated that customers can currently only send and receive text messages, but in the future, voice calling and data services are expected to be available.

Pricing and Accessibility

One NZ has announced that the 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 Future Plans

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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) subsequently granted T-Mobile approval for the service in November, paving the way for its rollout.

T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year." This development marks an important step towards the widespread adoption of satellite-to-cell technology and highlights the potential for such services to provide critical communication infrastructure during times of crisis or natural disasters.

Conclusion

SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand, marking the first nationwide coverage of its kind. With partnerships established globally, including with T-Mobile in the US, and an expected expansion of supported devices, this technology is poised to revolutionize telecommunications as we know it.

As One NZ continues to test and refine the capabilities of its Satellite TXT service, customers can expect improvements in service speed and reliability over time. The free offering for existing paid-monthly plan subscribers is a welcome incentive, although the pricing structure for new customers and those on other contracts remains unclear.

The implications of this technology are far-reaching, with potential applications extending beyond mere text messaging to voice calling and data services. As Starlink continues to expand its reach and capabilities, we can expect significant advancements in the field of telecommunications and a safer, more connected world for all.