One NZ claims direct-to-cell milestone over T-Mobile US

One NZ claims direct-to-cell milestone over T-Mobile US is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• One NZ has become the first telco to launch a nationwide Starlink-powered Satellite TXT service, offering text communication via LEO satellites.
• T-Mobile US is still in the beta testing phase for its Starlink direct-to-cell service, making One NZ the current leader in this technology.

What happened: One NZ launches Starlink powered Satellite TXT service beating T-Mobile US in direct to cell technology

One New Zealand (One NZ) has launched its Satellite TXT service, becoming the first telecommunications company globally to offer direct-to-cell communication via SpaceX’s Starlink network. This service allows customers to send and receive text messages using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, without any additional costs. Coverage is available across New Zealand, including areas that terrestrial networks cannot reach, and extends about 20 kilometers offshore. The launch follows One NZ’s April 2023 partnership with Starlink, and their engineers successfully tested the system in Christchurch in October. Although initial message delivery times range from 3 to 10 minutes, One NZ plans to reduce this latency and eventually add voice and data services. Currently, the service is compatible with select handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Fold6, S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro, with plans to expand the device list in 2025.

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Why it’s important

One NZ’s launch of Satellite TXT has taken the spotlight from T-Mobile US, which had been planning a similar Starlink-powered direct-to-cell service. While T-Mobile US is still in the beta testing phase, One NZ has already launched its service, claiming the distinction of being the world’s first telco to offer nationwide satellite mobile communication. The service provides coverage to remote regions in New Zealand, including areas that have been traditionally underserved by terrestrial networks. This is a significant achievement, as it opens up new communication possibilities for customers in rural and maritime locations. While the initial service comes with higher latency and limited handset support, One NZ aims to improve the speed and expand its offering in the near future, making satellite communication more accessible and efficient.

T-Mobile’s effort to implement direct-to-cell via Starlink is ambitious, but the sheer scale of the US and its complex terrain presents unique challenges that One NZ, with its relatively smaller and more manageable service area, does not face. Despite these differences, One NZ’s launch signifies an important step in satellite communications, potentially disrupting the competitive landscape for global telecoms.