A new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to deliver another 22 Starlink satellites to Low Earth Orbit. Photo: AFP
One New Zealand plans to have customers texting using a direct to satellite mobile network by early next year, with calling available by 2026.
The telecommunications company said it will start testing the satellite service run by Elon Musk's SpaceX from next week before a commercial rollout in the new year.
Customers involved in the test will notice the "One NZ" service icon on their phone change to "One NZ Starlink" showing it is connected to satellite rather than a mobile tower.
Chief executive Jason Paris said the company wanted to strengthen the resilience of its infrastructure following Cyclone Gabrielle.
"The mobile towers were fine, but we lost the power to them and that's what knocked out connectivity. The beauty of satellite technology is that as long as you've got battery in your smartphone, it's charged and you have a line of sight to the sky, you will be able to get that signal to where you are.
"Then we need to make sure that through testing that coverage that we're providing you turns into connectivity and that you can send text messages first. Then the plan is to be able to use the service for calling in about 12 months after it launches."
Paris said 40 percent of the country has no mobile coverage due to its unique geography.
But he said SpaceX technology can overcome those constraints to keep customers better connected, particularly in a natural disaster.
"We're unfortunately seeing this play out with Hurricane Milton in Florida right now, where Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability are playing a vital role keeping people connected as the extreme weather has disrupted their ground based mobile networks. That's why starting testing here is a giant step forward on our mission to bring coverage like never before to New Zealand."
Previously One NZ claimed and advertised the SpaceX partnership would allow for 100 percent mobile coverage across the country and eliminate any blackspots.
The Commerce Commission asked the company to stop the advertising, saying it was misleading because it did not make clear there would be limitations to the service.
But Paris said 100 percent coverage was still the company's aim.
"That's the plan for the testing, right? We've got to make sure that wherever we are in the country that you can get the coverage, that all the devices that New Zealanders are using work on the service. But that's definitely the aim.
"It shouldn't matter where you are, even on a fishing boat out to sea, you know 12 kilometres off the coast, you'll be able to get a satellite beam to your mobile phone that will provide you coverage."
The new service will be tested on a variety of mobile phones in different locations for 10 weeks up until Christmas.
