Starlink launches nationwide satellite tv for pc texting service in New Zealand

SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink service has hit a nationwide protection milestone in New Zealand — albeit with a couple of limitations. One NZ says it’s the primary telecommunications firm globally to energy a nationwide satellite tv for pc textual content messaging service by way of Starlink. Starlink has additionally signed up companions in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and Chile, partnering with T-Cellular within the US.

Solely 4 telephone fashions are presently supported: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, and OPPO Discover X8 Professional. Eligibility is predicted to broaden to extra units subsequent 12 months. Most textual content messages could be despatched and obtained inside three minutes in the course of the preliminary rollout, in accordance One NZ, although that will enhance to “10 minutes or longer” in the course of the first few months.

“We proceed to check the capabilities of One NZ Satellite tv for pc TXT, and that is an preliminary service that may get higher. For instance, textual content messages will take longer to ship however will get faster over time,” One NZ’s Expertise and Industrial Director Joe Goddard stated. “We’re starting with a small variety of telephones as a part of the staggered rollout of the know-how. And critically, from in the present day prospects can ship and obtain textual content messages solely, however sooner or later, we anticipate voice calling and information to even be accessible.”

The One NZ Satellite tv for pc TXT service will likely be free for present prospects on paid-monthly plans. One NZ hasn’t revealed if new prospects or these on different contracts will likely be required to pay a further payment to entry satellite-to-cell protection.