One New Zealand has announced that Prepay customers with an eligible phone can now enjoy nationwide satellite texting at no extra cost as part of a free trial for a limited time, with an RRP of $5 per month after the trial period. This allows eligible Prepay customers to send and receive texts in the 40% of New Zealand’s landmass that is not covered by traditional mobile networks – plus approximately 20 kilometres out to sea.
The One NZ Satellite TXT service continues to improve - now with over 500 Starlink Direct to Cell satellites in orbit, text messages being sent and received within minutes, and more than 23 eligible phones. One New Zealand was the first telco globally to launch a commercial, nationwide satellite text network in partnership with SpaceX in late 2024. The service brings additional resilience benefits, should there be a natural disaster or loss of power to the traditional network on the ground. Prepay customers with an eligible device on MyFlex, Pay & Go, and Travel Prepay Plans can now access the service where they have a clear line of sight to the sky, and which is available at no extra charge for a limited time.
Joe Goddard, Experience and Commercial Director, One NZ
We’ve seen incredible uptake of our One NZ Satellite service so far, with customers sending an average of more than 10,000 messages every day through space. We’re excited to take the next step and offer satellite texting to Prepay customers from today. One NZ Satellite TXT is like packing a coat in case it rains, with the added benefit that it also keeps you warm. It’s an extra layer of protection when you need it, and essential in a storm. Having access to the One NZ satellite service will mean our eligible Prepay customers can explore the great outdoors and stay in touch with loved ones and enjoy the peace of mind that they are with a network with coverage like never before, currently at no extra cost. This is an awesome value-add and offers incredible value to Prepay customers.