SpaceX’s innovative satellite-to-cell service, Starlink, has achieved a significant milestone by providing nationwide coverage in New Zealand. One NZ, the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink, is now offering this cutting-edge technology to its customers.
Global Partnerships and Expanding Reach
Starlink has been making waves worldwide by partnering with top telecommunications companies across different countries. Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile have all joined forces with Starlink to bring this revolutionary service to their citizens. In the United States, T-Mobile has partnered with Starlink to offer its customers access to the US Starlink beta program.
Limitations and Supported Devices
Although One NZ’s satellite-to-cell service is now available nationwide in New Zealand, there are some limitations to be aware of. Currently, only four phone models are supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. However, eligibility for more devices is expected to expand next year.
Text Messaging Experience
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, it’s essential to note that this duration may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months of operation. One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, reassures customers that the 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."
Staggered Rollout and Future Plans
One NZ is implementing a staggered rollout of the technology, starting with a small number of phones. The company has emphasized that this initial phase is focused on testing the capabilities of the service.
"In the future, we expect voice calling and data to also be available," Goddard noted.
Free Service for Existing Customers
The One NZ 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 need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Previous Pilots and US Starlink Beta Program
Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. Following this successful pilot, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for the service in November. The company is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s Starlink service has made significant strides in providing a reliable and innovative solution for satellite-to-cell communication. One NZ’s nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand marks an important achievement, and the company’s commitment to expanding its reach is promising.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, services like Starlink are poised to revolutionize the way we communicate. With continued testing and improvement, this cutting-edge service is sure to become an essential tool for people around the globe.
Key Takeaways:
- One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
- The service is currently available in New Zealand, with partnerships established in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile.
- Only four phone models are supported at present: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
- Eligibility for more devices is expected to expand next year.
- The initial rollout may experience delays in text messaging, but the service will improve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-to-cell service developed by SpaceX that enables users to send and receive text messages, voice calls, and data via satellite connectivity.
- Which countries have partnered with Starlink?
Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, Chile, and the United States (via T-Mobile) have all partnered with Starlink.
- What devices are currently supported by One NZ’s satellite-to-cell service?
Only four phone models are currently supported: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
- Will the service be available to new customers or those on other contracts?
It remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
- What is the current duration for sending and receiving text messages?
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes. However, this may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months of operation.
