Coverage like never before
We’re proud to collaborate with SpaceX and their revolutionary Starlink satellite constellation to bring satellite to mobile coverage to Aotearoa.
When the service goes live, the One NZ satellite to mobile network will provide coverage like never before, opening up approximately 40% of our country that is not covered by traditional mobile networks today.
Whether you’re out on your boat, climbing a mountain, fixing a remote road or on your farm – we've got the safety of New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses front of mind.
We will introduce a text service late 2024 and basic data and voice will follow in 2025^.
To keep updated on our collaboration with SpaceX register your interest now below.
Network and coverage
Pairing our award winning 4G and 5G mobile network* with SpaceX and their revolutionary satellite constellation, means far greater coverage of the country’s 268,021 square kilometre geography.
Business
We are building New Zealand’s safest and largest mobile network to transform how people connect with each other. It will revolutionise how businesses operate in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, transport and logistics; the private and public sector opportunities are endless.
Safety
Traditional mobile networks only cover approximately 60% of our land which means around 40% remains isolated, out of coverage and out of reach. Pairing SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite constellation and our award-winning mobile network means our place, our businesses, our playground, will be safer than ever before.
Emergency
We’ll ensure One New Zealand customers are safer during an emergency, so anyone with an appropriate One New Zealand phone will be able to call 111 in an emergency (when voice satellite calling is available). One New Zealand has dedicated part of its mid-band spectrum to enable the service.
^Capacity management and fair use may apply.
*Independently tested by global leader in mobile testing, umlaut in April 2024.
Frequently 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 mobile coverage.
When the Starlink service goes live, there will be satellites covering all of New Zealand’s geography and territorial waters. Whether you’re out on your boat, climbing a mountain, fixing a remote road or on your farm - you and your businesses are safer with us.
When the Starlink service goes live, there will be satellites covering all of New Zealand’s geography and territorial waters. Whether you’re out on your boat, climbing a mountain, fixing a remote road or on your farm - you and your businesses are safer with us.
What will I be able to do and where can I connect?
The technology will initially be for sending and receiving text messages by the end of 2024, before being extended to voice and basic data by the end of 2025. It will provide a satellite to mobile service, with satellites covering the whole of New Zealand up to the 12-mile offshore territorial limit. That's massive.
When the service is available, you’ll be able to connect when you are outside with a clear line of sight to the sky, with no obstructions. This is so that your phone can “see” a satellite.
As our testing with SpaceX continues, we’ll be able to tell you more about what you can expect. SpaceX’s next generation satellites are timed to be in orbit to deliver text coverage by the end of 2024, with voice and basic data services to follow by the end of 2025.
When the service is available, you’ll be able to connect when you are outside with a clear line of sight to the sky, with no obstructions. This is so that your phone can “see” a satellite.
As our testing with SpaceX continues, we’ll be able to tell you more about what you can expect. SpaceX’s next generation satellites are timed to be in orbit to deliver text coverage by the end of 2024, with voice and basic data services to follow by the end of 2025.
Will other telcos offer this service?
One New Zealand is proud to have been the first to launch 2G/3G/4G/5G/IoT. We have now announced nationwide satellite-to-mobile coverage. Our focus isn't on our competitors, it's about improving our network to ensure our customers are safer with us than ever before.
Why is it only available from late 2024?
SpaceX’s next generation satellites are timed to be in orbit and ready to provide connectivity by 31 December 2024^.
What phones are compatible with the satellite to mobile service?
A range of 4G and 5G smartphones will support this service and we are currently testing how different types of smartphones might work and which ones will be compatible. We will be able to provide further technical details in due course as our testing continues.
What technology does this use?
It uses SpaceX’s breakthrough 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.
What about 111?
One New Zealand wants to ensure everyone is safe during an emergency regardless of the provider they are with, so anyone with an appropriate phone will be able to call 111 in an emergency (when voice satellite calling is available by the end of 2025).
How do I sign up for the services?
We will have more detail on the actual service in the coming months. For now, customers can register their interest on our website and we will be in touch.
How much will it cost to access this new service?
Details on the services we will offer will be available in the near future.
What mobile plans will the service be available on?
We will share further details as we get closer to the service becoming available.
SpaceX has 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 the services that will be offered in the near future.
When will other services be available such as calls and data?
Initially the satellite to mobile service will be for text - by 31 December 2024, with voice and basic data to follow by 31 December 2025^. This is cutting edge technology. SpaceX has a consistent record of delivery and we’re confident in the collaboration.