It's official: One NZ customers can now send short messaging service (SMS) text messages using the SpaceX Starlink Direct To Cell (D2C or DTC) service nationwide, claiming to be the first in the world to do so.
The telco said towards the end of November that the launch of the Starlink service, named One NZ Satellite to TXT, was imminent.
Phones eligible for the service include:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Oppo Find X8 Pro
One NZ will contact customers with the eligible devices to let them know that they can use the Satellite TXT service.
Interest.co.nz asked One NZ why only Android phones from Samsung and Oppo are able to use the D2C service.
Spokesperson Matt Flood explained that Apple devices didn't make the initial launch date.
"Despite extensive testing, we aren't able to begin service with any iPhones, but we are aiming for a fast follow of more phones in the coming months," Flood said.
Apple iPhones already provide an emergency satellite messaging service. This is through another company, Globalstar, in which Apple has invested US$1.1 billion.
In terms of eligible plans, One NZ said pay-monthly ones, including companion plans can use Satellite TXT for no extra charge. This applies to the Endless Business mobile plans as well.
One NZ's experience and commercial director Joe Goddard said the telco expects hundreds of thousands of customers to be able to use the service by end of 2025.
The Satellite TXT service will reach the around 40 per cent of Aotearoa's landmass that isn't covered by traditional terrestrial networks, and around 20 kilometres out to sea.
During the rollout phase, One NZ said that its testing indicates text messages will be sent and received within three minutes. It could take as long as 10 minutes however, during the first few months, One NZ cautioned.
The telco expects the service performance to improve with more Starlink D2C satellites joining the SpaceX constellations, with messages being delivered in a one minute window.
Next year, Starlink intends to add voice calls and basic data service to its D2C, which uses the standard 4G LTE protocol for mobile devices. The Satellite TXT service is not a replacement for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), or other satellite communications devices, device vendor Oppo's New Zealand office said.
One NZ also produced a YouTube video featuring George Hillary, Sir Ed's grandson, texting his brother Alex from Mt Head, to celebrate the occasion.
14 Comments
I have used the maritime service between Tahiti, Cooks, Tonga, Fiji and here over the last 2 years. Works everywhere at sea. Im wondering whether this will work offshore, would be a game changer for sailors, currently we have sat phone/iridium as well in case of a bail out situation.
Hopefully not but I expect this will end up being the case. I am still running a Samsung S20FE5G because you can get 5 years out of your Samsung but if it somehow needs a software update.........anyway no surprises your iPhone doesn't work. Will probably get a new phone next year anyway.
Does your starlink subscription come with a complimentary vial of Elons Musk juice? https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/elon-musk-keeps-offering-friends-…
The Satellite TXT service will reach the around 40 per cent of Aotearoa's landmass that isn't covered by traditional terrestrial networks, and around 20 kilometres out to sea.
Can someone confirm. Does this mean all of NZ will be covered now? Or are there still gaps?
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