In a significant milestone for satellite-based telecommunications, SpaceX’s Starlink service has reached nationwide coverage in New Zealand. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time that a single company has powered a nationwide satellite text messaging service using Starlink technology.
Global Partnerships and Expansion
One NZ, a telecommunications company based in New Zealand, has become the first global partner to launch a nationwide satellite text messaging service using Starlink. The partnership is part of a larger effort by SpaceX to expand its reach and provide high-speed internet connectivity to underserved regions around the world.
In addition to One NZ, other notable partners have been announced, including:
- Canada: SpaceX has signed a partnership with an unnamed Canadian telecommunications company to bring satellite-based text messaging services to the country.
- Australia: The Australian government has partnered with SpaceX to provide satellite internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.
- Japan: A Japanese telecommunications company has partnered with Starlink to offer high-speed internet services using the Starlink constellation.
- Peru: The Peruvian government has partnered with SpaceX to bring satellite-based internet services to underserved communities in the country.
- Switzerland: A Swiss telecommunications company has partnered with Starlink to provide high-speed internet services using the Starlink constellation.
- Chile: The Chilean government has partnered with SpaceX to provide satellite-based internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.
US Partnership with T-Mobile
In the United States, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile to bring its text-by-satellite service to customers. This partnership is particularly significant, as it marks one of the first commercial deployments of a satellite-based text messaging service in the country.
The partnership was previously piloted during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October 2022. The success of this pilot program led to T-Mobile being granted FCC approval for the service in November 2022.
Initial Rollout and Limitations
While the launch of Starlink’s text-by-satellite service is a significant milestone, there are still several limitations associated with the technology. At present, only four phone models are supported:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: This flagship device from Samsung supports satellite-based text messaging using Starlink.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Another flagship device from Samsung, this model also supports satellite-based text messaging using Starlink.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A high-end smartphone from Samsung, this model is the latest to be supported by Starlink’s text-by-satellite service.
- OPPO Find X8 Pro: A high-end smartphone from OPPO, this model also supports satellite-based text messaging using Starlink.
Eligibility for the service is expected to expand to more devices in 2024. However, during the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. This timeframe may increase to ’10 minutes or longer’ during the first few months of the program.
Future Developments and Expansion
According to One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard, "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."
Goddard also noted that the company is beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology. In the future, customers can expect voice calling and data services to be available.
Free Service for Existing Customers
One NZ has announced that its Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Overall, the launch of Starlink’s text-by-satellite service is a significant milestone in the development of satellite-based telecommunications. As the technology continues to evolve and expand its reach, we can expect to see increased adoption and deployment around the world.
