Starlink Launches Nationwide Satellite Texting Service in New Zealand
Only a limited number of phones are compatible with this service at its launch, and messaging speeds may be slower than usual due to technical
In a significant development for satellite-based telecommunications, SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement marks a major breakthrough for One NZ, the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
Partnerships and Global Expansion
Starlink has been rapidly expanding its reach globally, with partnerships established in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. In addition, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US, paving the way for widespread adoption of satellite-based telecommunications.
Supported Devices and Eligibility
Currently, 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.
Text Messaging Service Details
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, this timeframe may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months. As One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard noted: "We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better."
Key Features and Limitations
While text messaging services are currently available through Starlink, other features such as voice calling and data are expected to become available in the future. The service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans; however, it remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will require an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
History of Satellite-Based Telecommunications
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 service received FCC approval for the US Starlink beta program in November, paving the way for widespread adoption.
Timeline for Expanded Service and Future Developments
While the initial rollout focuses on text messaging services, One NZ is working towards expanding its capabilities to include voice calling and data. In an interview, Joe Goddard emphasized: "We’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology." The service will continue to improve over time, with anticipated enhancements expected within the first few months.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand by providing nationwide coverage for text messaging services. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, satellite-based technologies like Starlink are poised to play a critical role in bridging connectivity gaps and expanding access to communication services worldwide.
Future Developments and Potential Impact
The success of Starlink’s text-by-satellite service has far-reaching implications for the global telecommunications landscape. As One NZ continues to expand its capabilities, including voice calling and data, the impact on rural communities and areas with limited connectivity will be significant. Furthermore, partnerships between companies like T-Mobile and SpaceX are likely to shape the future of satellite-based telecommunications.
Comparison of Current Services
The following table compares key features of existing satellite-to-cell services:
| Service | Supported Devices | Text Messaging Speed | Voice Calling Availability | Data Availability |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| One NZ Satellite TXT | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, OPPO Find X8 Pro | Within three minutes (initial rollout) | No | No |
| T-Mobile US Starlink Beta Program | TBA | TBA | No | No |
Note that the above table is a general comparison and subject to change as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
The success of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service in New Zealand marks an important milestone for satellite-based telecommunications. As companies like SpaceX continue to innovate and expand their services, the future of global communication looks increasingly promising. With partnerships and expansions on the horizon, it will be exciting to see how this technology continues to shape the industry.
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