SpaceX’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service has officially expanded into the world of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity — starting with a rather unexpected use case: beekeeping in New Zealand (via PCMag).
Local mobile carrier One NZ, the first in the world to offer Starlink-powered cellular service back in December, has started using the satellite-based network to connect IoT devices in remote regions. In partnership with local tech vendor APIS Solutions, One NZ has deployed what it calls the world’s first Starlink Direct-to-Cell IoT network, designed specifically for beehive monitoring.
By using a simple “off-the-shelf” module, APIS was able to create a device that connects directly to Starlink’s cellular satellites — completely bypassing the need for nearby cell towers. The setup enables real-time beehive monitoring even in some of New Zealand’s most isolated areas. Check out APIS Solutions’ YouTube video below, which details the system’s functionality and future potential:
In a letter to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week, SpaceX and One NZ requested access to additional radio spectrum to boost capacity for these new services. “We now want to ensure that we continue to have sufficient capacity to provide services to users and to enable additional services to be offered, including data and IoT services,” the carrier said.
Meanwhile, T-Mobile, which just commercially launched its Starlink-powered T-Satellite service in the U.S. last week, says IoT support is on the roadmap. “We’ll share more details as we continue to expand T-Satellite’s capabilities,” a spokesperson told PCMag. T-Mobile’s network already supports SMS and multimedia messaging, with data connectivity for select apps coming in October.
In Canada, Rogers is also testing Starlink DTC-based SMS messaging across its network, suggesting a broader international rollout may be on the horizon.
