One NZ has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via SpaceX’s Starlink. This development marks a major breakthrough in the realm of satellite communications, and it’s set to revolutionize the way people stay connected, especially in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
Global Partnerships and Expansion Plans
In addition to New Zealand, Starlink has signed up partners in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. One of the notable partnerships is with T-Mobile in the US, which is set to offer the Starlink beta program to its customers early next year.
The expansion plans for Starlink are ambitious, and it’s expected that the service will become more widely available as the technology continues to evolve. However, for now, 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.
Eligibility and Device Compatibility
While the initial rollout is limited to a select number of devices, eligibility is expected to expand to more phones next year. This means that customers with different phone models will be able to access the satellite-to-cell coverage in the near future.
In the meantime, existing customers on paid-monthly plans can enjoy the One NZ Satellite TXT service for free. However, it’s unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access the service.
Technical Details and Performance Expectations
According to One NZ, most text messages can be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout. However, this timeframe may increase to 10 minutes or longer during the first few months as the technology continues to develop.
In an interview, Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ, explained that the service is still in its early stages and will improve over time. "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."
Future Plans and Developments
While the focus for now is on providing a reliable text messaging service via satellite-to-cell coverage, One NZ has hinted at plans to expand the capabilities of the service in the future.
"We’re beginning with a small number of phones as part of the staggered rollout of the technology," Goddard 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."
Pilot Program and FCC Approval
Before launching the nationwide service, Starlink had previously piloted its text-by-satellite service with T-Mobile customers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in October. The pilot program was a success, and it paved the way for the full-scale rollout of the service.
In November, T-Mobile received FCC approval for the service, which marked another significant milestone in the development of Starlink’s satellite-to-cell technology.
Conclusion
The achievement of One NZ in becoming the first telecommunications company globally to power a nationwide satellite text messaging service via Starlink is a testament to the potential of satellite communications. The expansion plans and partnerships are ambitious, and it’s expected that the service will become more widely available as the technology continues to evolve.
While there are still limitations to the service, including the number of supported devices and the initial performance expectations, One NZ has demonstrated its commitment to improving the capabilities of the Starlink technology.
As the satellite-to-cell coverage expands, it’s likely that we’ll see significant changes in the way people stay connected, especially in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. The future looks bright for Starlink and its partners, and it will be interesting to see how this technology continues to evolve and shape the telecommunications industry.
FAQs
- Q: How does the One NZ Satellite TXT service work?
- A: The service uses SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-cell technology to provide text messaging coverage via satellite.
- Q: What devices are currently supported by the service?
- A: Only four phone models are currently supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro.
- Q: Will new customers or those on other contracts be required to pay an additional fee to access the service?
- A: It’s unclear whether new customers or those on other contracts will be required to pay an additional fee to access the service.
Sources
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