In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This milestone marks a major breakthrough for the company and its partner, One NZ. According to reports, One NZ is the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
Global Partnerships
The Starlink network has partnered with several countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. In addition, the company has signed up with T-Mobile in the United States. These partnerships demonstrate the growing interest in satellite-based telecommunications and the potential for widespread adoption.
Supported Devices
However, there are currently only four phone models 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. Eligibility is expected to expand to more devices in the coming year, making it possible for a wider range of customers to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Service Limitations
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, this may increase to "10 minutes or longer" during the first few months as the service continues to develop. The company’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, explained that the initial service will improve over time.
"We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better," Goddard said. "For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."
Rollout Plan
The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be rolled out in phases, with a small number of phones supported initially. As the technology continues to develop, more devices are expected to be added to the supported list. In addition, customers can expect voice calling and data services to become available in the future.
Pricing
The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it is unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Previous Pilot Program
Prior to this milestone, Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The pilot program demonstrated the potential for satellite-based telecommunications in times of crisis. In November, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for the service, paving the way for its expansion.
Future Developments
T-Mobile is expected to sign up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year. This marks an important step towards widespread adoption and demonstrates the growing interest in satellite-based telecommunications.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell service has achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand, marking a major breakthrough for the company and its partner, One NZ. With global partnerships and expanding device support, this technology is poised to revolutionize the way we communicate. As the service continues to develop, customers can expect improved functionality and wider availability.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand
- One NZ is the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink
- The service currently supports four phone models: 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 in the coming year
- Text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, but may increase to "10 minutes or longer" during the first few months
- The service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans, but pricing details for new customers are unclear
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