SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink texting service can now operate across New Zealand, thanks to telecommunications company One NZ. The New Zealand-based provider says this is the first time there’s a nationwide satellite text messaging service powered by Starlink. T-Mobile has been making a lot of noise about launching it, but it seems One NZ has taken the lead.
What’s the benefit here for New Zealand residents? This is a country where many rural areas don’t have access to mobile towers, resulting in weak or no signal. This should level the playing field for those who don’t live near big cities.
Now on to the caveats, and there are some big ones. Starlink texting is incredibly slow compared to traditional methods. One NZ says most messages should be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, but admits that timeframe could extend to “10 minutes or more.” This is why the company continues to urge people to carry a personal locator beacon when traveling in remote areas.
The service is only supported by four smartphone models, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Pro. This list of eligible devices is expected to grow next year. The company also intends to eventually expand the service to include voice calling and data.
The satellite service is free for existing One NZ customers on pay-monthly plans, but we don’t know the pricing plan for new customers or those signing up for other types of contracts. Starlink has partnered with other telecom companies to bring wider coverage to Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile. As mentioned earlier, it’s also working with T-Mobile to do something similar in the US.