In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand. One NZ, the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink, has successfully rolled out this innovative service.
Partnerships and Expansion
Starlink has also established partnerships with leading telecommunications companies in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. The partnership with T-Mobile in the US is another significant milestone for the company. These collaborations aim to bring satellite-to-cell coverage to more regions worldwide.
Currently Supported Devices
At present, only four phone models are compatible with 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. The company has announced plans to expand eligibility to more devices next year.
Service Rollout and Limitations
The initial rollout of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service is expected to allow most text messages to be sent and received within three minutes. However, during the first few months, this may take longer – up to 10 minutes or even longer in some cases. As Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ, explained:
‘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.’
The company is starting with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology.
Future Plans and Availability
One NZ’s Satellite TXT service will be available for existing customers on paid-monthly plans at no additional cost. However, it remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an extra fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
In a related development, Starlink has previously piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted T-Mobile approval for the service in November, paving the way for its US launch.
US Beta Program
T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year." This will provide a chance for users to experience the satellite-to-cell service firsthand and offer valuable feedback to improve the technology.
While there are limitations to this initial rollout, One NZ’s Satellite TXT service marks an important milestone in the development of satellite-to-cell coverage. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect faster transmission times, expanded device compatibility, and potentially even voice calling and data services. The future looks bright for this innovative solution, which has the potential to bridge connectivity gaps worldwide.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink service has made significant strides in recent months, with its satellite-to-cell coverage reaching a nationwide milestone in New Zealand. As partnerships grow and device compatibility expands, we can expect more regions to benefit from this cutting-edge technology. With its promise of faster transmission times and greater accessibility, One NZ’s Satellite TXT service is an exciting development that will undoubtedly shape the future of telecommunications.
Sources
- [One NZ Press Release](https://www.onenew Zealand.com/about-us/newsroom/one-nz-launches-satellite-txt-service-across-new-zealand/)
- T-Mobile FCC Approval
- Starlink US Beta Program