Coverage like never before
We're very proud to announce a new collaboration with SpaceX to provide a satellite to mobile service.
When the service goes live, there will be a satellite to mobile service for far greater coverage than available now. 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'll be able to provide coverage where it hasn't been before. Initially, we'll be launching with an SMS service by the end of 2024, with data and voice to follow in 2025^.
We’re taking coverage and connectivity further than ever before, with one giant leap towards the most advanced and safest network in the country.
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 104,428 square mile 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
No traditional mobile network covers more than 50% of our land which means 50% 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 with us 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 May 2023.
Frequently asked questions
What will the main benefit be for customers?
Currently, our mobile network covers 98% of the places New Zealanders live and work, however due to the length and geography of the country, almost 50% of the landmass still has no coverage.
When the 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 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 text and MMS by the end of 2024, before being extended to voice and 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.
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 from the end of 2024, with voice and 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 from the end of 2024, with voice and data services to follow by the end of 2025.
Will other telcos offer this service?
One New Zealand, previously Vodafone NZ, 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?
Most current smartphones will be able to connect. We will be able to provide further technical details in due course.
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 broadband?
Initially it will be for text and MMS - by 31 December 2024, with voice and data to follow by 31 December 2025^. This is cutting edge technology, but SpaceX has a record of delivery and we’re confident in the collaboration.