One NZ, a New Zealand telecommunications provider, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell service in New Zealand.
The service, branded as “One NZ Satellite to Mobile,” will initially offer text messaging capabilities, with voice and basic data services planned for future rollout.
The service will enable One NZ customers with compatible devices to send text messages from anywhere in New Zealand with a clear view of the sky, including remote areas such as farms, mountains, roads, and waterways.
One NZ emphasizes that text messaging will be included at no additional cost for customers on eligible plans.
At launch, the service will only be available on select phone models, though One NZ is actively working with phone manufacturers to expand device compatibility.
The company is currently conducting local testing across Aotearoa (New Zealand) in preparation for the service launch.
While Starlink Direct-to-Cell is not yet widely available in the United States, the technology has already demonstrated its effectiveness in emergency situations.
During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the US Federal Communications Commission granted SpaceX and T-Mobile temporary authorization to provide emergency coverage to T-Mobile users.
The impact was significant: over 27,000 mobile devices connected to the service in a single day, facilitating more than 250,000 text messages between affected residents, their families, and emergency services.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in providing comprehensive mobile coverage across New Zealand’s diverse terrain, potentially eliminating many traditional cellular dead zones.
