Starlink’s Nationwide Satellite Texting Service Launches in New Zealand First
In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement comes with some limitations, but it marks an important step forward for the company and its partners.
A Global First: One NZ Powers Nationwide Satellite Text Messaging Service via Starlink
One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service using Starlink. This innovative service is part of a larger partnership between One NZ and SpaceX, with the latter providing the necessary satellite infrastructure for the service.
Partnerships Around the World
In addition to its partnership with One NZ in New Zealand, Starlink has signed up partners in several other countries, including:
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Peru
- Switzerland
- Chile
Furthermore, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, demonstrating its expanding global reach.
Device Support: A Limited Selection for Now
While the nationwide coverage milestone is significant, there are currently only four phone models supported by One NZ’s satellite TXT service:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: This sleek and versatile flip phone is one of the devices compatible with Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: With its foldable design, this phone offers an innovative user experience that can now be complemented by the Starlink service.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: This high-end smartphone boasts impressive features and is now supported for use with One NZ’s satellite TXT service.
- OPPO Find X8 Pro: This premium device from OPPO offers advanced capabilities and is part of the initial set of devices compatible with Starlink.
However, it’s expected that eligibility will expand to more devices next year, making the service even more accessible to a broader range of customers.
Service Performance: Initial Rollout Expectations
During the initial rollout phase, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, One NZ anticipates that this time may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months as they continue to test the capabilities of their satellite TXT service.
According to Joe Goddard, One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director:
‘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.’
A Future with Voice Calling and Data
While text messaging is currently the only feature available via One NZ’s satellite TXT service, Goddard emphasized that voice calling and data services are expected to become available in the future.
In a statement, he highlighted:
‘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.’
Free Service for Existing Customers
One NZ has announced that their satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, there is currently no information on whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access the satellite-to-cell coverage.
Starlink’s Text-by-Satellite Service: A History of Innovation
The Starlink service has a history of innovation and adaptability. The text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. This pioneering effort led to the granting of FCC approval for the service in November.
Now, T-Mobile is signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program ‘early next year,’ further expanding its reach and capabilities.
