One NZ Satellite | Frequently Asked Questions

Published on: 10/02/2026 10:55 AM

What is One NZ Satellite?

With One NZ Satellite, you can TXT, send attachments (like photos and voice notes) and access apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps when you're in the 40% of New Zealand where there's no cell tower coverage. You need to be able to see the sky and have an eligible mobile phone and plan.


Eligibility for One NZ Satellite

This network is available on a wide range of phones. See the full list below. This table also includes the features on each phone supports (e.g. TXT/MMS or Data):

This list will be updated as software updates are released for each model and new models are launched. Unsure what phone you're using? Check your phone's settings to find out.

Apple



Satellite-ready
TXT
MMS* includes photos, short videos and voice notes
iMessage* includes photos, short videos and voice notes
Data on select apps -
Learn More
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 17 Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 17
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone Air
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 16 Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 16 Plus
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 16
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 16e
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 15 Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 15 Plus
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 15
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 14 Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 14 Plus
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 14
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 13 Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 13
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone 13 mini
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Samsung

Satellite-ready
TXT
MMS*
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
RCS
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
Data - on select apps - Learn More
Galaxy Z Fold7
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Galaxy Z Flip7
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Galaxy Z Fold6
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy Z Flip6
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy Z Fold5
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy Z Flip5
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy Z Fold4
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy Z Flip4
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S25+
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S25
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S25 FE
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S24+
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S24
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S24 FE
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S23+
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S23
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S23 FE
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S22 Ultra
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S22+
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy S22
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A56 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A55 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A54 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A36 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A35 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A34 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A26 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A25 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A17 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A17
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A16 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A16
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A15 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy A07
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy XCover7 Pro 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy XCover7 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Galaxy XCover6 Pro 5G
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

OPPO

Satellite-ready
TXT
MMS*
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
RCS
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
Data on select apps - Learn More
OPPO Find X9 Pro
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO Find X9
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO Find X8 Pro
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO Reno13 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO Reno13 F 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO A5 Pro 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPPO A5 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No

Motorola



Satellite-ready
TXT
MMS*
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
RCS
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
Data on select apps - Learn More
Motorola razr 60
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Motorola razr 60 pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Motorola razr 60 fusion
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Motorola moto g56 5G
Yes
No
Yes
No
Motorola moto g05
Yes
No
Yes
No

Smart

Satellite-ready
TXT
MMS*
includes photos, short videos and voice
RCS
includes photos, short videos and voice notes
Data on select apps - Learn More
Smart V26
Yes
No
Yes
No

  • Android phones purchased outside of New Zealand (including parallel imports) may not be compatible.

What mobile plans will be eligible for the One NZ Satellite service and how much will it cost?

If you're a One NZ customer with an eligible phone, you'll be able to access the service as below:
  • One NZ Satellite Data (including TXT) is included on One Plan, One Team Plan and Unlimited Prepay. It's available as an Add-On for all other in-market Travel, Prepay and Pay Monthly plans for $20 a month.
  • One NZ Satellite TXT is included on all Pay Monthly, Travel and Prepay Endless and Endless Plus plans. A Satellite TXT Add-On is available for all other in-market Prepay plans for $5 a month.
Add-Ons can be purchased through the My One NZ app.


Find out more about our plans:

Using One NZ Satellite

What do I need to do before I head out of cell-tower coverage?

Check you are Satellite Ready.



You need an eligible plan and phone to use One NZ Satellite, so check this before you head out of traditional cell-tower coverage. You can check our cell tower coverage map here .

If you purchase a new eligible phone, you should unbox and set it up whilst you are in a WiFi or traditional cell-tower coverage area.

If its your first time using One NZ Satellite, or if you haven't used it recently your initial connection might take up to 30 minutes - after that, it should connect instantly.

Please make sure that you have done all the Operating System updates to your phone before you go into One NZ Satellite network coverage. Also check that you have the latest version of any apps you are going to use when in satellite coverage.
  • iPhone: To use all currently available functions and get the best experience, ensure:
    • You're on the latest iOS (visit Apple Support to see how to update your iOS), and
    • you have iMessage enabled.
  • Android: To use all currently available functions and get the nest experience ensure:
    • You're on the latest software (search 'software update' in your phone's settings to check and update, if necessary) MMS will only work on phones that have Android 16 software or above), and
    • You're on the latest version of the Google Messages mobile app, and
    • You have RCS enabled.

How do I use One NZ Satellite when I am outside cell-tower coverage?

Ensure that you have clear line-of-sight to the sky.


Finding open spaces or an area that's unobstructed by things such as buildings, trees, structures etc. will help your phone 'find' the satellites. If you are near a window it's likely that your phone will also 'find' a satellite. You don't need to hold your phone towards the sky in order for it to connect to a satellite.

Look for 'One NZ SpaceX' on your phones network banner.


The One NZ SpaceX network banner at the top left of your phone screen shows when your phone is connected to a satellite. There will be short gaps where the banner will disappear but don't worry; the next satellite should come within minutes and the banner will reappear.

Send your TXT or use select apps.


One NZ Satellite TXT is amazing new technology and doesn't work like standard mobile cell-tower technology.
  • One NZ Satellite TXT/MMS you can check whether your TXT/MMS has been sent by looking for the time stamp. If your TXT/MMS fails to send, ensure clear line of sight to the sky and wait for One NZ SpaceX to appear on your network banner, then try again. iMessage (for iPhone to iPhone) and RCS (for Android to Android) are also supported if you have this enabled on your phone.
  • One NZ Satellite Data Access select satellite-enabled mobile apps to check maps, make WhatsApp calls, search online via MetaAI and more. Some app functionality may be different or unavailable over satellite.

Does One NZ Satellite work for Emergency Calls to 111?

No, making 111 Emergency Calls is not possible where you have no traditional cell-tower coverage on any of the NZ mobile networks. If you need help, and you have an eligible phone and plan, you will be able to send a TXT/MMS message or use WhatsApp to contact family, friends or colleagues for assistance.

Does One NZ Satellite TXT work with the 111 TXT service for people with hearing or speech difficulties?

If you are registered for this service with NZ Police and you have clear line of sight to the sky (with an eligible plan and phone) then yes, you can send a 111 TXT to the NZ Police 111 TXT service.

For more information on the NZ Police 111 TXT service visit this page:
111 TXT for hearing and speech difficulties | New Zealand Police

Does the weather impact my ability to use One NZ Satellite?

As long as you have a clear line of sight to the sky the weather should not affect how the service works, except for extreme weather events which may have some impact.

Will the One NZ Satellite network powered by Starlink always work?

Whether you are trying to use One NZ's traditional cell-tower network or One NZ Satellite, the availability of the networks and the services on them is never guaranteed. There could be temporary capability or technical issues that cause an impact on our mobile networks which we, as always, attempt to resolve as quickly as possible.


What is One NZ Satellite Data and which apps can I use?

One NZ Satellite Data allows your phone to use satellite-enabled apps when on the One NZ Satellite network. Apps that are simple and don't use a lot of data will work best, and some functionality may be different or unavailable over satellite. Apps enabled for Satellite Data include the below and more will be enabled over time:

  • WhatsApp (including Meta AI within WhatsApp) - make calls, video calls, send group messages and search via Meta AI.
  • AccuWeather - see real-time forecasts and alerts that help you stay ahead of the weather wherever.
  • Google Maps - navigate and plan your trip including checking your distance and travel times.
  • Plan My Walk - a free trip planning tool for safer hiking and tramping adventures. Access official track, hut and campsite alerts; real-time MetService weather forecasts and warnings; NZ Avalanche Advisory updates; and LINZ topo and satellite maps on the go. Learn more
  • GetHomeSafe - Remote worker safety platform with live location sharing, check-ins, risk assessment, duress, mandown alerts, journey management, site check-in and more.
  • X - X (formerly known as Twitter) is a social media platform focused on real-time communication and content sharing.
  • All Trails - search for trails, check difficulty ratings, and track your hike, ride, or run in real time, even when you're off the beaten path. Plus, you can share your activity and trail location with friends, explore trail detail pages for all the essentials, and count on an always-on map that makes navigation simple - wherever the trail takes you.
  • Apple - Apple Compass, Apple Fitness, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Weather

How can I check what apps are enabled for One NZ Satellite on my phone?

On iPhone 13 and above, you can see what apps are satellite enabled by clicking on Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options (or select the SIM if there are multiple SIMs). Satellite will be toggled on. You can see enabled apps and can toggle them on and off as you wish. Ensure you do this before you go out of cell-tower coverage.

Can I contact One NZ via WhatsApp?

Yes, you can message One NZ via WhatsApp on 0800 800 021.

Can apps be enabled for One NZ Satellite by App developers and Publishers?

Yes, many Android or Apple apps can be adapted by an app developer or publisher to work with One NZ Satellite, meaning app benefits can be accessed from anywhere in NZ you can see the sky. Some apps that stream video or use other high bandwidth content may need to restrict these features when using satellite data. App developers or publishers Find out more.

Other FAQs

What is the main benefit of One NZ's satellite network?

The One NZ Satellite network powered by Starlink provides coverage to the approximately 40% of New Zealand's landmass that has no traditional cell-tower coverage due to the tricky terrain and geography of the country. It can also be used out to 85 nautical miles offshore. The One NZ Satellite network offers an additional layer of security and resilience including when disaster strikes and traditional telecommunication infrastructure fails.

Is One NZ Satellite a replacement for a Personal Locator or Distress Beacon (PLBs and EPIRBS)?

No. The One NZ Satellite network is an extra layer of protection and will enable two-way communication so you can contact friends or family members when outside traditional cell-tower coverage. If you are planning a trip to a back country or rural area, it is always recommended to take a personal locator beacon in case of emergency.

When I am on the edge of the One NZ cell-tower network and the One NZ Satellite network, sometimes I experience my phone 'holding on' to satellite, when I want it to reconnect to the cell-tower network. Is there anything I can do to force this change?

Yes, you can turn airplane mode on and off. For iPhones, you can also go into settings and toggle off Satellite if you want to switch it off and then back on. Click on Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options (or select the SIM if there are multiple SIMs). Your phone will reconnect to the strongest network.

Why can some phones access satellite texting during an emergency, but not every day? Can't you just turn it on again?

The emergency response service is limited to basic texting (SMS) only. iMessage, RCS, MMS messages and apps for emergency response service are not supported. We provide this essential TXT service to all 4G VoLTE Roaming capable phones on the One NZ network in an emergency when getting connected with friends and family is crucial.

I'm still on MyFlex. Can I get One NZ Satellite?

No, the Add-On will only be available for our Pay & Go customers, or those on Prepay Plus plans where it's not already included. One NZ Satellite can be purchased as an Add-on to Travel, Prepay Plus Endless Starter, Endless Plus and Unlimited Prepay with an eligible phone.

How is One NZ Satellite different to Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature?

One NZ Satellite and Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite are two different services making use of different sets of satellites.

Apple Emergency SOS via satellite
For more information, please visit Emergency SOS via satellite on apple.com

One NZ Satellite
One NZ customers with an eligible phone and plan can use the One NZ Satellite service when out of One NZ traditional cell-tower coverage. The 'One NZ SpaceX' banner and 'SAT" indicates that you are connected to the One NZ Satellite service.

Can I roam in other countries that have also collaborated with SpaceX?

At this stage, One NZ Satellite is only available in NZ. We will have more details to share on roaming in other destinations in the future.

Can I send and receive short codes via One NZ Satellite TXT?

Yes, you can use One NZ Satellite TXT to send or receive a short code (like a verification pin from your bank), or a premium short code (like using a 4-digit number to donate to a charity). Please note in some instances a charge may apply, see One NZ Premium TXT.

I am visiting New Zealand so my phone was not purchased here. Can I use One NZ Satellite?

If your phone is on the eligible phone list and you're connected with an eligible One NZ mobile plan, you should be able to connect to One NZ Satellite but we cannot guarantee all phones purchased overseas will work.

Will One NZ Satellite work on other devices such as tablets or watches?

One NZ Satellite only works on eligible phones at the moment, other devices may be added in the future.

I have an eSIM, can I use One NZ Satellite?

Yes, as long as you have an eligible plan and phone.

Will One NZ Satellite be used to send emergency mobile alerts?

We intend to use One NZ Satellite to send emergency alerts to phones capable of receiving an emergency alert regardless of the provider. This service is not yet live, and we will provide further information on our website as the technology evolves.

What does 'satellite-ready' mean when shown next to a mobile phone?

It means that the phone One NZ is advertising with this icon has been tested and is eligible to use One NZ Satellite.

What technology does the One NZ Satellite network use?

It uses SpaceX's breakthrough Starlink Direct to Mobile technology based on global 4G standards which we have integrated into One NZ's award-winning mobile network (independently tested by global leader in mobile testing, umlaut in April 2025). One New Zealand has dedicated part of its mid-band radio spectrum to enable the service, using 4G/LTE technology.

How does One NZ Satellite vary from Starlink Broadband?

One NZ Satellite is only available from One NZ and is designed to work on your mobile phone. Starlink Broadband is a different service that uses a large Broadband dish located at your premises or on your vehicle to transmit to Starlink satellites.

One NZ has also partnered with Starlink to provide Starlink Business Broadband to our Business, Enterprise and Government customers who need connectivity from the most demanding and remote locations.

Is my privacy and data protected on the One NZ Satellite network?

Yes. Your privacy and data are protected to the same high standards on all One NZ mobile networks, and your device's connection to the satellite is encrypted, protecting your calls, text messages, and data while they travel over the air.

Fair use and capacity management

To ensure all One NZ customers with an eligible plan and phone are able to access One NZ Satellite, we may have to actively manage the capacity that the One NZ SpaceX satellite network can currently handle, and our Fair Use Policy will apply to your use of this service.

One NZ Satellite terms

TXT/MMS in minutes and use data on select apps. Requires eligible phone and plan, and line of sight to the sky. Limited app features. Paid Add-On may apply. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control applies. See one.nz/satellite

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