SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite-to-Cell Service Reaches Nationwide Coverage Milestone in New Zealand
After months of anticipation, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has finally achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This significant development marks a major breakthrough for One NZ, which has become the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
Partnerships and Expansion Plans
In addition to New Zealand, Starlink has signed partnerships with several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. The company has also partnered with T-Mobile in the US, marking a significant step towards expanding its reach globally. With these partnerships, Starlink is well on its way to becoming a leading provider of satellite-based telecommunications services worldwide.
Supported Devices
While the service is currently available for only four phone models – 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. This expansion will allow a wider range of customers to take advantage of the satellite-to-cell service, further increasing its reach and adoption.
Text Messaging Service Rollout
During the initial rollout of the One NZ Satellite TXT service, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, this time frame may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months as the service continues to develop and improve. According to Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ, "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."
Staggered Rollout and Future Plans
The One NZ Satellite TXT service is being rolled out in a staggered manner, with a small number of phones initially supported as part of the pilot program. As the technology continues to develop, customers can expect voice calling and data services to be added to the platform in the future. Goddard emphasized that "we’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology… And critically, from today customers can send and receive text messages only, but in the future, we expect voice calling and data to also be available."
Pricing and Accessibility
For existing customers on paid-monthly plans, the One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free. 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. As the service continues to develop and expand its reach, it will be interesting to see how pricing structures are implemented.
Previous Pilots and Beta Program
Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. Following this successful pilot, the FCC granted T-Mobile approval for the service in November, paving the way for its wider adoption. T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year," marking an exciting development in the company’s efforts to expand its reach.
Conclusion
The nationwide coverage milestone achieved by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell service in New Zealand marks a significant step towards making high-speed, low-latency connectivity accessible to remote and underserved communities worldwide. With partnerships established in several countries and expansion plans underway, it will be fascinating to see how the company continues to develop its services and reach new markets.
Additional Resources
For more information on Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service and its availability in New Zealand and other regions, readers can visit the One NZ website or contact their customer support team directly. As the technology continues to evolve, we will be keeping a close eye on developments and providing updates as they become available.
FAQs
- What devices are currently supported by the Starlink satellite-to-cell service?
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
- How long does it take to send and receive text messages during the initial rollout?
- Most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, this time frame may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months as the service continues to develop and improve.
- Is the One NZ Satellite TXT service free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans?
- Yes, the service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, pricing structures for new customers and those on other contracts have not been revealed.
