SpaceX Introduces First Nationwide Satellite Smartphone Connectivity with Starlink
SpaceX, owned by American entrepreneur Elon Musk, has successfully launched the first nationwide satellite connectivity for smartphones based on Starlink in New Zealand. One NZ has become the first telecommunications company in the world to offer this service, allowing 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, reaching approximately 20 kilometers out to sea. The Satellite TXT service is currently available for free to users on active monthly plans, but is only compatible with four smartphones: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Pro.
At present, text messages can be sent and received within three minutes, with plans to reduce this time to an average of one minute as SpaceX continues to densify its satellite constellation. By the end of 2025, it is expected that 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 such as KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, Salt in Switzerland, Entel in Chile and Peru, and Rogers in Canada. The advancement of satellite connectivity for smartphones marks a significant milestone in telecommunications technology, paving the way for expanded coverage and faster communication worldwide.
