SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink project has reached a significant milestone in New Zealand. The satellite-based service, which aims to provide internet and mobile connectivity globally, has now achieved nationwide coverage for text messaging in the country. One NZ, the telecommunications company behind this achievement, is proud to be the first in the world to power such a service via Starlink.
Starlink Expands Its Reach Globally
The Starlink network has been expanding rapidly across the globe. In addition to New Zealand, partners have been secured in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. A partnership with T-Mobile in the US is also underway, enabling customers to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Limited Device Support for Now
While this achievement marks a significant step forward for Starlink, there are still some limitations. Currently, only four phone models can utilize the 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 Rollout Initial Stages
One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, explained that the text messaging service will be available within three minutes during the initial rollout phase. However, this may increase to "10 minutes or longer" in the first few months as the service continues to mature.
"We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT," Goddard said. "This is an initial service that will get better over time. For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."
Service Availability and Pricing
The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, the company has not revealed whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Starlink’s Text-by-Satellite Service: A Brief History
Before launching this nationwide service in New Zealand, Starlink piloted a text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The service was granted FCC approval for the US in November, paving the way for its expansion.
Next Steps: Voice Calling and Data Availability
While text messaging is available now, One NZ expects to add voice calling and data services to the Starlink platform in the future. This will bring the full range of mobile connectivity options to customers using the satellite-to-cell network.
T-Mobile’s US Expansion Plans
As part of its partnership with T-Mobile, Starlink plans to sign up customers for a beta program "early next year." This will enable them to test the service before it becomes available more widely in the US market.
Conclusion
The achievement by One NZ marks an important milestone in the development of SpaceX’s Starlink project. As this satellite-to-cell network continues to expand globally, it promises to bring mobile connectivity and internet access to remote or underserved areas around the world.
Key Takeaways
- One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
- The Starlink network now covers New Zealand, with plans to expand into other countries worldwide.
- Currently, only four phone models can utilize the service: 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.
With its ambitious goal of providing global internet connectivity, SpaceX’s Starlink project continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of satellite communication.
