In a significant achievement for telecommunications technology, One NZ has announced that its satellite-to-cell Starlink service has reached nationwide coverage in New Zealand. This milestone marks the first time a company has powered a nationwide satellite text messaging service globally using Starlink. The successful rollout of this service is part of a broader effort to provide reliable and high-speed communication services to underserved areas.
Partnerships and Expansions
One NZ’s success in New Zealand is not an isolated achievement. The company has also partnered with several other countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Furthermore, Starlink has signed a partnership with T-Mobile in the US to offer its satellite-to-cell service to customers in the region.
These partnerships demonstrate the growing interest in satellite-based telecommunications services, particularly in regions where traditional infrastructure may be limited or unreliable. By leveraging Starlink’s advanced technology, these companies can provide reliable and high-speed communication services to their customers.
Device Compatibility
One NZ has currently only supported four phone models for its Satellite TXT service: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. However, it’s expected that eligibility will expand to more devices in the coming year.
The initial rollout of the service allows customers to send and receive text messages within a relatively short time frame of three minutes. While this may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months, One NZ assures customers that the service will continue to improve over time.
"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 Developments
In addition to expanding device compatibility, One NZ plans to introduce new features to its Satellite TXT service in the future. Voice calling and data services are expected to become available as part of the expanded offering.
The company has also stated that existing customers on paid-monthly plans will have access to the Satellite TXT service at no additional cost. However, it remains unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an extra fee for satellite-to-cell coverage.
Pilot Program and Beta Testing
Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The pilot program demonstrated the potential of satellite-based telecommunications services in emergency situations.
Following the success of this pilot, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for its Starlink beta program in November. The company is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year.
The widespread adoption of satellite-to-cell services has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate, particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure may be limited or unreliable. As more companies partner with Starlink and expand their offerings, it’s likely that we’ll see significant improvements in communication services worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, One NZ’s achievement in reaching nationwide coverage with its satellite-to-cell Starlink service is a significant milestone for telecommunications technology. The company’s partnerships with other countries and T-Mobile demonstrate the growing interest in this technology.
While there are still limitations to the current service, including device compatibility and data transfer rates, it’s clear that One NZ is committed to improving the offering over time. As more companies adopt satellite-based communication services, we can expect to see significant improvements in reliability and accessibility.
With Starlink at the forefront of this technological revolution, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities for the future of telecommunications.
