SpaceX, the company owned by American entrepreneur Elon Musk, has launched the first nationwide satellite connectivity for smartphones based on Starlink in New Zealand.

One NZ has become the world’s first telecommunications company to offer nationwide Starlink-based connectivity for smartphones. This allows users to send and receive text messages across 40% of New Zealand’s territory that is not covered by cellular towers.

The coverage area, provided by space, extends to New Zealand's territorial boundary, approximately 20 kilometers out to sea.

The Satellite TXT service is available for free to users on active monthly plans. However, at present, it is compatible with only four smartphones: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Pro.

Currently, text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, but this may take up to 10 minutes as SpaceX works on densifying its satellite constellation to send messages directly to smartphones. Once a larger number of Starlink satellites are deployed, the delivery of text messages through space is expected to take an average of one minute.

According to Joe Goddard, One NZ’s Director of Customer Operations and Commercial Director, it is expected that by the end of 2025, hundreds of thousands of customers will be able to use One NZ’s Satellite TXT service.

In addition to One NZ and T-Mobile, Starlink has agreements with telecommunications companies KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), Salt (Switzerland), Entel (Chile and Peru), and Rogers (Canada).

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