In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has reached a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. This achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that it comes with some limitations. One NZ, a telecommunications company, claims to be the first globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.
Partnerships and Expansion
Starlink has also forged partnerships in various countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Additionally, it has partnered with T-Mobile in the United States. This expansion is a testament to the growing popularity of SpaceX’s satellite-based service.
Eligible Devices and Limitations
At present, 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 is expected to expand to more devices next year.
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, as per One NZ. However, this timeframe may increase to ’10 minutes or longer’ during the first few months of operation. In an interview, One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard explained that this is a normal part of the testing process.
"We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better," he said. "For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time." He further emphasized that the company is beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology.
Fees and Future Developments
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 be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.
In a future update, Goddard hinted at the possibility of expanding services beyond text messaging. "We’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology," he said. "And critically, from today customers can send and receive text messages only, but in the future, we expect voice calling and data to also be available."
Previous Pilot Projects and Beta Program
The Starlink text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. In November, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for the service.
As of now, T-Mobile is signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year." This development marks an important milestone in the expansion of SpaceX’s satellite-based services.
Implications and Future Prospects
The success of One NZ’s Satellite TXT service in New Zealand highlights the potential of SpaceX’s Starlink technology. With its ability to provide coverage in areas with limited or no cellular network, this service has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications in rural and remote regions.
As the technology continues to improve, we can expect to see further developments in the coming months. The expansion of supported devices, improved transmission times, and the introduction of voice calling and data services will all contribute to making Starlink an increasingly viable option for consumers worldwide.
Conclusion
The achievement of nationwide coverage milestone by SpaceX’s Starlink service in New Zealand is a significant development in the field of telecommunications. With its ability to provide text messaging services via satellite, this technology has the potential to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.
As the service continues to expand, we can expect to see improvements in transmission times and the introduction of new features such as voice calling and data services. The future looks bright for SpaceX’s Starlink technology, and it will be exciting to see how it evolves over the coming months and years.
One NZ Satellite TXT Service Features
- Text Messaging: Send and receive text messages using your phone.
- Supported Devices: 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 to expand to more devices next year.
- Transmission Time: Most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout. May increase to ’10 minutes or longer’ during the first few months of operation.
- Fees: Free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. Fees may apply for new customers or those on other contracts.
Starlink Partnerships
- One NZ: Partnered with One NZ in New Zealand to provide satellite text messaging services.
- T-Mobile: Partnered with T-Mobile in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile to expand Starlink services.
- Other Partners: Additional partnerships with telecommunications companies worldwide.