One NZ, a telecommunications company based in New Zealand, has announced that it has become the first global provider of a nationwide satellite text messaging service powered by SpaceX’s Starlink technology. This milestone marks a significant achievement for both One NZ and Starlink, demonstrating the potential of satellite-based communication services.
Starlink Partnerships Around the World
In addition to its partnership with One NZ in New Zealand, Starlink has signed agreements with several other telecommunications companies around the world, including:
- Canada: Starlink has partnered with a leading Canadian telecommunications provider to offer satellite text messaging services.
- Australia: A major Australian telecommunications company is working with Starlink to bring satellite-based communication services to its customers.
- Japan: Starlink has partnered with a prominent Japanese telecommunications provider to offer satellite text messaging and other services.
- Peru: A Peruvian telecommunications company is partnering with Starlink to provide satellite-based communication services to its customers.
- Switzerland: Starlink has partnered with a Swiss telecommunications provider to offer satellite text messaging and other services.
- Chile: A Chilean telecommunications company is working with Starlink to bring satellite-based communication services to its customers.
US Partnership with T-Mobile
In the United States, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile, one of the largest mobile network operators in the country. This partnership will allow T-Mobile customers to access Starlink’s text-by-satellite service, which was previously piloted during natural disasters in October.
Eligibility and Limitations
Currently, only four phone models are supported for the One NZ Satellite TXT service:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- OPPO Find X8 Pro
However, eligibility is expected to expand to more devices next year. During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. This time may increase to ’10 minutes or longer’ during the first few months as the service is tested and refined.
"We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better," said Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ. "For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."
Future Plans
The One NZ Satellite TXT service will initially be available only for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it is unclear if new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
In the future, One NZ expects to offer voice calling and data services in addition to text messaging. This expansion of services will depend on further testing and refinement of the technology.
SpaceX’s Starlink service has hit a significant milestone with the launch of its nationwide text messaging service in New Zealand. The partnership between One NZ and Starlink demonstrates the potential for satellite-based communication services, which can provide reliable coverage even in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.
As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further expansion of services and increased availability of satellite-to-cell coverage around the world.