In a significant milestone, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time that a telecommunications company globally has powered a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink. The service has also expanded to other countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile, with partnerships established with T-Mobile in the US.
Expansion of Services:
One NZ, a prominent telecommunications company in New Zealand, is leading the charge in providing nationwide satellite text messaging services via Starlink. This achievement is a testament to the growing capabilities of Starlink technology and its potential to revolutionize the way people communicate, especially in rural or remote areas where traditional cellular networks may not be available.
Current Limitations:
While One NZ has achieved this significant milestone, there are still some limitations associated with the service. Currently, only four phone models are supported for the satellite text messaging service:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: This phone model is one of the first to support the Starlink service in New Zealand.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Another Samsung device that supports the service, offering users a seamless communication experience.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: One of the latest flagship devices from Samsung, now supported for satellite text messaging via Starlink.
- OPPO Find X8 Pro: A high-end phone model from OPPO that also supports the service.
However, it’s worth noting that eligibility is expected to expand to more devices next year, providing users with even greater flexibility and options.
Initial Rollout and Performance:
During the initial rollout of the One NZ Satellite TXT service, 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 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."
Goddard also highlighted the importance of a staggered rollout of the technology, stating, "We’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology." This approach ensures that the service is thoroughly tested and refined before expanding to more users.
Future Developments:
While the initial focus is on text messaging, One NZ has announced plans to expand the service to include voice calling and data in the future. According to Goddard, "customers can send and receive text messages only, but in the future, we expect voice calling and data to also be available."
Free Service for Existing Customers:
For existing customers on paid-monthly plans with One NZ, the Satellite TXT service will be free of charge. However, it’s unclear at this time whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
Pilot Program in the US:
In October, Starlink piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Following FCC approval in November, T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year."
As the demand for reliable communication services continues to grow, the expansion of Starlink’s satellite-to-cell technology marks a significant milestone in providing access to essential communication services across the globe.
Conclusion:
The nationwide coverage milestone achieved by SpaceX’s Starlink service in New Zealand is a testament to the growing capabilities of satellite technology and its potential to revolutionize the way people communicate. As the service expands to more countries and devices, it will be exciting to see how this technology continues to evolve and improve.
References:
- One NZ website
- Starlink press releases
- T-Mobile press releases
