One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via SpaceX’s Starlink, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of this innovative technology. While there are still some limitations to be addressed, the achievement is a testament to the growing capabilities of Starlink and its potential to revolutionize the way people communicate.
Global Partnerships
Starlink has already partnered with telecommunications companies in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. In the US, T-Mobile has signed up to partner with Starlink, paving the way for a nationwide rollout of the satellite-to-cell service. The partnership with One NZ marks a major step forward in this effort, bringing the benefits of satellite text messaging to customers across New Zealand.
Eligible Devices
Currently, only four phone models are supported by the One NZ Satellite TXT service: 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, making it easier for customers to access this innovative technology.
Performance and Limitations
During the initial rollout, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, according to One NZ. However, there are some limitations to be aware of. According to Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard, "text messages will take longer to send but will get quicker over time" as the service continues to improve.
In the first few months, customers may experience delays in sending and receiving text messages, with times increasing to 10 minutes or longer. However, this is expected to improve over time as the technology is fine-tuned.
Future Plans
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 be required to pay an additional fee to access satellite-to-cell coverage. This is a crucial aspect of the service that needs to be clarified in the coming months.
In addition to text messaging, One NZ has announced plans to offer voice calling and data services via Starlink in the future. While no specific timeline has been provided for this rollout, it’s clear that the company is committed to expanding its offerings and providing customers with a more comprehensive suite of communication tools.
Previous Pilots
Starlink’s text-by-satellite service was previously piloted with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The success of this pilot program paved the way for the FCC approval granted to T-Mobile in November, allowing the company to move forward with the rollout of its US Starlink beta program.
Early Access Program
T-Mobile is now signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year. This will provide an opportunity for customers to experience the benefits of satellite-to-cell coverage firsthand and provide valuable feedback to help improve the service.
In conclusion, the nationwide coverage milestone achieved by One NZ marks a significant step forward in the rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell technology. While there are still some limitations to be addressed, the potential of this technology to revolutionize the way people communicate is vast. With partnerships in place across several countries and plans for expansion into new markets, it will be exciting to see how this technology evolves in the coming months.
Comments
- One NZ’s Experience and Commercial Director Joe Goddard said, "We continue to test the capabilities of One NZ Satellite TXT, and this is an initial service that will get better."
- The company has announced plans to expand its offerings to include voice calling and data services via Starlink in the future.
- T-Mobile is signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year.
Related Articles
- SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell technology has been making waves in the telecommunications industry, with partnerships in place across several countries.
- The company has announced plans to expand its offerings to include voice calling and data services via Starlink in the future.
- T-Mobile is signing up customers to test the US Starlink beta program early next year.
Sources
- One NZ
- SpaceX
- FCC
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