TXT in the middle of nowhere

One NZ Satellite to Mobile is coming
  • Collaboration icon

    A New Zealand-first collaboration

  • Satellite icon

    Satellite-powered mobile coverage

  • Text icon

    TXT launching first

Redefining mobile coverage in Aotearoa

Around 40% of Aotearoa’s land area has no traditional mobile coverage – that’s a lot of places that are isolated and out of reach.

But that's all changing with the launch of One NZ Satellite to Mobile, a New Zealand-first collaboration with SpaceX, world leaders in satellite technology. TXT capability will be the first to launch, with voice and basic data to follow.

We’re working closely with SpaceX to bring this game changing technology to New Zealand, which will make Kiwis safer and provide coverage like never before. We’ve made all the necessary preparations to the One NZ mobile network and are ready to begin testing here in Aotearoa as soon as SpaceX receives clearance from the regulator in the US. 

When we switch on the network, One NZ customers with an eligible mobile plan and phone will be able to TXT from anywhere in NZ with a line of sight to the sky - whether that’s on the farm, on the road, on the water, or in the mountains. Best of all, TXT is included in the price of eligible plans.

Initially, the capability will be limited to a subset of eligible phones. We are working closely with phone providers to roll it out to a growing number of models over time. Good things take time, and when something is this good, we want to get it right.

Coverage like never before is coming, and we can't wait. Join us on the journey as we redefine mobile coverage and help create a better-connected Aotearoa.

Get satellite-ready

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Satellite network ready

Several hundred specially designed satellites in low-earth orbit are required to bring our new network to life - no small task, so watch this space.
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One NZ mobile plans

If you’re a One NZ customer on an eligible mobile plan, you’ll be able to TXT via satellite using your included TXT allocation.
Device readiness icon

Eligible mobile phones

Extensive testing is underway with phone providers, and we’ll share the list of eligible phones as they become ready.
A person fishing at sunset on a calm sea.

Offshore coverage up to 12 nautical miles

You head out for a "quick fish". You should be heading back already, but the bites are coming thick and fast, and you'd be silly to leave now!

With One NZ Satellite to Mobile, set minds at ease with a quick TXT to let loved ones know you're safe and will be home later - with dinner!
A person hiking with a red backpack and trekking poles in the fog.

Stay in touch when you're off the beaten track

When you laced up your hiking boots this morning, there were clear skies overhead. But the weather turned suddenly, and heading back now would be risky.

Using One NZ Satellite to Mobile, you TXT home to say you’ll be back in the morning, then head to the nearby DOC hut to hunker down for the night.
A green van parked on the side of the road with beautiful landscape on the background.

Get help when you break down on the open road

You're heading down the line for a few days and spirits are high - until you hear a weird noise and come to an abrupt stop. You've broken down.

You prepare for the long walk to find help. Then you remember you have One NZ Satellite to Mobile and TXT a mate to come and get you instead. Sorted.
A man and his dog walking on a dirt road behind a tractor.

Stay on top of maintenance around the farm

Driving past the woolshed, you spot a hole in one of the yard fences. With the shearing season about to start, it'll need to be fixed ASAP.

Before you forget, you grab your phone and, using the One NZ Satellite to Mobile network, fire off a TXT to the new farmhand to head over and fix it.

Commonly asked questions

What will the main benefit be for customers?

Currently, our mobile network covers 99% of the places New Zealanders live and work, however due to the length and geography of the country, around 40% of our landmass still has no traditional mobile coverage. When the One NZ Satellite to Mobile network goes live, there will be satellites covering all of New Zealand’s geography and territorial waters.

What will I be able to do and where can I connect to the One NZ Satellite to Mobile network?

One NZ Satellite to Mobile will initially be for sending and receiving text messages, voice and basic data will follow.

When the network is live, One NZ customers on an eligible mobile plan and with an eligible phone will be able to TXT from anywhere in NZ with line of sight to the sky^ - whether that’s on the farm, on the road, on the water, or in the mountains. As our testing with SpaceX continues, we'll be able to tell you more about what you can expect.

What phones are eligible with the One NZ Satellite to Mobile service?

We are currently testing how different types of smartphones might work and which ones are eligible. We will be able to provide further technical details in due course as our testing continues.

What mobile plans will One NZ Satellite to Mobile be available on?

Information on eligible plans will be updated as available.

How much will it cost to access this new service?

TXT is included in the price of eligible plans. Details on voice and basic data will be available in the future.

Will the One NZ Satellite to Mobile work on tablets?

We will be able to provide further details on device eligibility in due course as our testing continues.

Will other telcos offer this service?

One New Zealand is proud to have been the first to launch 2G/3G/4G/5G/IoT. Our focus isn't on our competitors, it's about improving our network to ensure our customers are safer with us than ever before.

What technology does this use?

It uses SpaceX’s breakthrough Starlink satellite technology and One New Zealand’s award-winning mobile network*. One New Zealand has dedicated part of its mid-band spectrum to enable the service.

How do I sign up for the services?

We will have more detail on the actual service in the coming months. For now, Business customers can register their interest on our website and we will be in touch.

SpaceX and Starlink have collaborations with Optus in Australia, T-Mobile in the USA, Rogers in Canada, KDDI in Japan and Salt in Switzerland. Can I roam for free in those countries?

We will have more details to share on roaming in the near future.

When will other services be available such as calls and data?

The One NZ Satellite to Mobile network will initially be for sending and receiving text messages, voice and basic data will follow.

^Capacity management and fair use may apply.
*Independently tested by global leader in mobile testing, umlaut in April 2024.

Find out more

If you’re a business and want to find out more about One NZ Satellite to Mobile, please provide your details and one of our sales team will be in contact
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