One New Zealand & SpaceX to boost mobile coverage with satellites

One New Zealand continues to advance its telecommunications capabilities with the recent achievement of its partner, SpaceX. As of July, SpaceX has successfully launched over 100 Starlink Direct to Cell Satellites into orbit, which is set to significantly enhance mobile coverage across the nation.

The new satellite technology aims to deliver coverage to all regions in New Zealand on eligible 4G VoLTE mobile devices, provided there is a clear line of sight to the sky. The service also extends up to 12 nautical miles offshore. This initiative is intended to complement One New Zealand's existing mobile network by addressing the approximately 40% of the country that currently lacks mobile coverage due to challenging geography and associated costs.

Chief Technology Officer Tony Baird expressed his enthusiasm for the technological advancements and their implications. Baird stated, "I'm super excited about this new technology and its potential, including incredible safety benefits for New Zealanders. With SpaceX surpassing the milestone of 100 Starlink Direct to Cell satellites in orbit, we're closer to being the first telco in New Zealand to provide a comprehensive mobile coverage solution, effectively ending mobile blackspots, where there is line of sight to the sky."

Baird also highlighted the specific benefits this would bring to rural residents and maritime activities. "This will be awesome for rural New Zealanders where building new cell services is expensive, difficult or both. Likewise, the coverage benefits for boaties are immense, and people who like to explore the more remote parts of Aotearoa such as our stunning national parks. In a search and rescue situation, this service might be the difference between life and death," he said.

The endeavour is part of a global initiative, with One New Zealand among several operators collaborating with SpaceX to implement this service using local radio spectrum. Baird noted, "We are one of a number of operators globally, who are working with SpaceX to deliver this service using our local radio spectrum to deliver enhanced mobile connectivity in our respective locations, with One New Zealand's first customers set to experience this service before the end of the year."

As with other technological rollouts, such as 5G, the introduction of this service will proceed in phases. Baird mentioned that customers will receive additional details in the forthcoming months.

One New Zealand initially announced its partnership with SpaceX during its rebranding from Vodafone NZ. This collaboration is part of the company's broader strategy to reinvest in technologies and services deemed crucial for New Zealanders.