Starlink’s satellite-to-phone connectivity is making waves in New Zealand, where One NZ has just celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Starlink-powered Direct to Cell service. Since its launch in December 2024, the service has seen impressive usage, with customers sending over 7 million text messages over Starlink in the first year alone.
The Satellite TXT feature, as it’s known locally, covers approximately 40% of New Zealand and has made over 700,000 customers eligible to stay connected even in areas with no traditional cellular coverage. This has proven to be vital during emergencies, with the service being used during major weather events such as Cyclone Tam, flooding in the Nelson–Tasman region, and storms in the South Island. Satellite messaging traffic surged by 300% during power and network outages in Southland, highlighting the resilience of space-based connectivity.
One NZ made headlines as the first carrier in the world to launch a Starlink-powered satellite cellular service and has continued to expand its offerings. Earlier this year, Starlink Direct to Cell added support for IoT devices, enabling farmers and businesses to use satellite-connected sensors in remote areas for data transmission without relying on local mobile towers.
The partnership between Starlink and One NZ is just the beginning, with Starlink Direct to Cell now available through various telecom operators globally, including T-Mobile in the U.S., Rogers in Canada, and Entel in Chile. The service is set to roll out in Africa through a partnership with Airtel Africa and in the U.K. via Virgin Media O2 next year.
While SpaceX is currently collaborating with established telecom operators, the company is also preparing for a more independent future. Starlink has secured a $17 billion wireless spectrum deal with EchoStar and plans to begin testing Direct to Cell service on that spectrum in 2026. Recent trademark filings suggest a standalone “Starlink Mobile” service may be on the horizon, independent of incumbent carriers.
One NZ’s impressive first-year numbers offer a glimpse into how satellite-to-phone connectivity could revolutionize mobile coverage worldwide. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of Starlink and satellite communication.