Starlink’s first nationwide satellite text messaging service has launched in New Zealand

SpaceX Can now work throughout New Zealand, . The New Zealand-based provider says this is the first time a nationwide satellite text messaging service has been operated by Starlink. T-Mobile About implementing this, but One NZ seems to have beaten it to the punch.

What’s the catch here for New Zealanders? It is a country with many rural areas Which results in weak or no signals. This should serve as a playground for people who do not live near major cities.

Now on to the caveats, there are some big caveats. Texting via Starlink is incredibly slow compared to traditional methods. One New Zealander says most messages should be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, but admits the time frame could increase to “10 minutes or more.” That’s why the company continues to urge people to carry a personal locator beacon when traveling to a remote area.

Service too Which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. This list of eligible devices is expected to grow in the coming year. The company also intends to eventually expand the service to include voice and data calling.

The satellite service is free to existing One NZ customers on paid monthly plans, but we don’t know the pricing system for new customers or for those signed up to other types of contracts. Starlink has partnered with other telecommunications companies to provide comprehensive coverage to Japan, Peru, Switzerland and Chile. As mentioned earlier, it is To do something similar in the United States.