One NZ, formerly Vodafone New Zealand, has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide mobile coverage via the Starlink satellite network. The agreement will allow One NZ customers to use their smartphones to connect via satellite in areas with no cellular coverage, such as remote or rural locations. The mobile service currently covers 98% of places where people “live and work,” but only just over half of the country’s landmass. The service is set to be available late next year, initially allowing multimedia text messages, with voice calls and mobile broadband to follow later.
One NZ has not yet announced pricing or marketing details, but customers will not need to purchase new smartphones or equipment to use the service. In addition to improving public safety, 100% mobile coverage could revolutionize businesses in industries such as agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, transport, and logistics.
The deal requires SpaceX to launch new satellites to serve the region, and the cost and exclusivity terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. However, One NZ has said that other mobile users, including Spark and 2degrees customers, will be able to roam on its Starlink service and send emergency messages in the event of a disaster. 2degrees has also announced that it plans to trial satellite connectivity technology, with initial trials set to begin shortly.
