One NZ has announced that its satellite-to-cell Starlink service has achieved a significant milestone in covering the entire nation of New Zealand. This achievement marks a major step forward for the company, as it becomes the first telecommunications provider globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink.

Partnerships and Expanding Reach

In addition to its success in New Zealand, Starlink has established partnerships with various companies across the globe. These include Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. Furthermore, Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the United States, which will allow customers to access the service.

Currently Supported Devices

Although the service is now available nationwide, there are still some limitations. Currently, 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, it’s expected that eligibility will be expanded to more devices next year.

Initial Rollout and Expected Performance

One NZ has reported that most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout. However, this may increase to "10 minutes or longer" during the first few months of operation. One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, explained: ‘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.’

Staggered Rollout and Future Plans

The company has opted for a staggered rollout of the technology, starting with a small number of phones. As part of this process, customers can currently only send and receive text messages. However, voice calling and data are expected to become available in the future.

Pricing and Eligibility

One NZ has announced that the One NZ Satellite TXT service will be free for existing customers on paid-monthly plans. However, it’s unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will need to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage.

Previous Pilots 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. Following this, T-Mobile was granted FCC approval for the service in November. The company is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program ‘early next year.’

Timeline of Key Events

  • One NZ announces nationwide coverage milestone in New Zealand
  • Partnerships established with companies in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile
  • Partnership signed with T-Mobile in the United States
  • Four phone models currently supported: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro
  • Eligibility expected to expand to more devices next year

Key Takeaways

  • One NZ’s Starlink service has achieved nationwide coverage in New Zealand
  • Currently supported devices include four phone models: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro
  • Eligibility expected to expand to more devices next year
  • Text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout; this may increase to "10 minutes or longer" in the first few months

Conclusion

One NZ’s achievement of a nationwide coverage milestone for its Starlink satellite-to-cell service marks an important step forward for telecommunications in New Zealand. As the company continues to test and refine its technology, we can expect improvements in performance and expanded reach.