New telecommunications brand One New Zealand (formerly known as Vodafone NZ), announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX to ensure 100% mobile coverage across the nation and eliminate blackspots yesterday.
One New Zealand’s award-winning mobile network will team up with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation in low Earth orbit to provide comprehensive coverage for One New Zealand customers throughout the country and up to its territorial limit.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to investing more in New Zealand. It will give our customers more freedom with 100% coverage across the country, making New Zealanders and their businesses safer with us,” said One New Zealand CEO Jason Paris.
He emphasized that both One New Zealand and SpaceX are focused on delivering technological innovations that empower customers with seamless connectivity.
The only other mobile provider that has teamed up with SpaceX for wireless coverage is T-Mobile in the U.S., and now One New Zealand. It’s unclear if roaming agreements will be in place, similar to how Starlink global roaming options are currently available for internet.
SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “New Zealand is one of the most isolated and rugged countries in the world, making it an ideal use case for SpaceX’s Direct to Cell connectivity. We are thrilled to collaborate with One New Zealand to bring cellular coverage across 100% of the country.”
One New Zealand is also committed to ensuring everyone’s safety during emergencies, regardless of their service provider. As a result, anyone with a compatible phone will be able to call 111 in an emergency once voice satellite calling becomes available.
“This technology will save lives and should be accessible to all. One New Zealand is dedicated to improving the lives of every New Zealander,” added Paris.
SpaceX’s next-generation satellites will be in orbit and ready to provide connectivity starting in late 2024, initially supporting text and MMS, with voice and data services to follow.
As for a rough timeline of events, SpaceX satellites will serve as aerial cell towers in beta form to start, using Global PLMN to prioritize the network. Starting in 2024, customers will have SMS and MMS functionality on their current devices. The network will require 150-200 beams, each covering a 50km diameter on the ground. Data, voice, and video services will follow in early 2025, offering 2-4 Mbps download or uplink per beam.
