One NZ has announced that its satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand, marking a significant breakthrough for the company. The achievement is all the more impressive given that the service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October.
Global Partnerships
In addition to its success in New Zealand, One NZ has partnered with several other companies around the world, including:
- Canada: One NZ has signed a partnership with a leading telecommunications company in Canada to offer satellite-to-cell services.
- Australia: The company has partnered with an Australian telco to provide satellite text messaging services to customers in the country.
- Japan: One NZ has teamed up with a Japanese telecoms firm to bring Starlink’s satellite-to-cell technology to the Japanese market.
- Peru: The company has partnered with a Peruvian telecommunications provider to offer satellite text messaging services to customers in the country.
- Switzerland: One NZ has signed a partnership with a Swiss telco to provide satellite-to-cell services to customers in Switzerland.
- Chile: The company has partnered with a Chilean telecommunications firm to bring Starlink’s satellite-to-cell technology to the Chilean market.
US Partnership
In addition to its global partnerships, One NZ has also signed up with T-Mobile in the US to offer Starlink’s satellite text messaging services. As part of this partnership, T-Mobile customers will have access to a beta program for testing the service early next year.
Supported Devices
Currently, only four phone models are supported by the Starlink service: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. However, One NZ expects to expand eligibility to more devices next year.
Text Messaging Service Details
During the initial rollout of the service, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, this time may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months as the service is tested and improved. 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."
Future Developments
In addition to text messaging, One NZ expects voice calling and data services to be available in the future. The company has stated that it is working on improving the service, which will include increasing the speed of text message delivery.
Free Service for Existing Customers
For existing customers on paid-monthly plans with One NZ, the satellite-to-cell service will be free. However, it remains to be seen whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access the service.
Conclusion
The achievement of a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand marks a significant breakthrough for SpaceX’s Starlink service. The partnerships with global companies and the US-based T-Mobile demonstrate the potential of this technology to revolutionize telecommunications worldwide. As One NZ continues to test and improve its satellite-to-cell service, it is likely that we will see further developments and expansions in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Starlink’s text-by-satellite service?
A: Starlink’s text-by-satellite service allows customers to send and receive text messages using a satellite connection.
Q: Is this service available globally?
A: Currently, One NZ has partnered with several companies around the world to offer the service. However, it is expected to expand to other regions in the future.
Q: Which devices are currently supported by the Starlink service?
A: The current supported devices include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
Q: Will new customers or those on other contracts be required to pay an additional fee for access to the service?
A: It remains to be seen whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee for access to the service.