In a significant development, SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand. The service, which enables text messaging via satellite, has been launched by One NZ, the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service using Starlink. This achievement marks a major breakthrough for Starlink, which is already partnering with several companies worldwide, including T-Mobile in the US.

Starlink’s Global Expansion

One NZ’s successful launch of the Starlink-based satellite text messaging service is not an isolated incident. Starlink has signed up partners in various countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. In addition to partnering with One NZ, Starlink has also partnered with T-Mobile in the US, which has been granted FCC approval for the service.

Initial Rollout and Limitations

The initial rollout of the One NZ Satellite TXT service is currently limited to only four phone models: 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.

During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, this timeframe may increase to "10 minutes or longer" during the first few months as the service continues to be tested. According to One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard:

"We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better. For example, text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time."

Future Developments and Expansion

While the initial rollout is limited to text messaging only, future plans include adding voice calling and data services to the platform. According to Goddard:

"We’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology. 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."

Pricing and Availability

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.

T-Mobile’s 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 FCC approval, T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program "early next year."

Conclusion

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell service has achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand, marking a major breakthrough for the technology. As the service continues to expand and improve, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what new features are added in the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • SpaceX’s Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand.
  • One NZ is the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service using Starlink.
  • The initial rollout of the service is limited to four phone models, with eligibility expected to expand next year.
  • Text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, although this timeframe may increase to "10 minutes or longer" during the first few months.
  • Future plans include adding voice calling and data services to the platform.
  • The One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans.

Future Developments:

  • Expansion of eligibility to more devices next year
  • Addition of voice calling and data services to the platform
  • Continued improvement of text messaging services

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