Spark satellite coming soon. Question is: when?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark satellite coming soon. Question is: when?

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DjShadow

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#3473735 25-Mar-2026 20:42

Just checked and I now have a Satellite setting enabled on my Spark line. I am running dual-sim with One NZ being my primary line.

Using iPhone 17 Pro max

boosacnoodle

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#3473751 25-Mar-2026 21:00

Just took a drive around Selwyn and did not have my signal drop-out even once but also did not see any satellite. I know there is a dead zone around Springston so will endeavour to head out there and try it out at some point.

johno1234:

I see nothing for Satellite under settings in 26.4

You need to go into Settings app > General > About, then you will be prompted to perform an update of your Carrier Settings. The update process is instantaneous and when you go back into Settings app > Mobile you will see that Satellite has been enabled automatically. It presumably didn't make the cut for iOS 26.4, but was released as a small OTA carrier bundle after the fact.

quickymart

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#3473754 25-Mar-2026 21:03

Is there a list of compatible handsets anywhere yet (or is it still pending)? I seem to recall Vodafone (now One) had a list ready to go before the service launched - could have my timing wrong on that one though.

boosacnoodle

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#3473761 25-Mar-2026 21:09

Technically speaking it has not yet officially launched. All that's changed is that there is now support for it on iOS devices on Spark. Satellite Data support is also in there.

coffeebaron

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#3473779 25-Mar-2026 22:01

I have seen some similar satellite settings on a couple of Android phones with Spark connections too.

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johno1234

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#3473835 26-Mar-2026 07:35

boosacnoodle:

Just took a drive around Selwyn and did not have my signal drop-out even once but also did not see any satellite. I know there is a dead zone around Springston so will endeavour to head out there and try it out at some point.

johno1234:

I see nothing for Satellite under settings in 26.4

You need to go into Settings app > General > About, then you will be prompted to perform an update of your Carrier Settings. The update process is instantaneous and when you go back into Settings app > Mobile you will see that Satellite has been enabled automatically. It presumably didn't make the cut for iOS 26.4, but was released as a small OTA carrier bundle after the fact.

Turns out the setting was there. I had assumed that the search function in Settings always works alas not. I found “Satellite” toggle was under the SIM settings for the Spark SIM.
Also noticed there’s an option “Convert to eSIM” - does that work?

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#3473836 26-Mar-2026 07:39

Of course convert to eSIM option works

johno1234

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#3474110 26-Mar-2026 16:16

Linux:

Of course convert to eSIM option works

Love your faith and optimism. I would never assume the "of course" position with Spark and cellphones. Too often things stop working if you fiddle with settings. Although Apple in my experience are more likely to "just work" than Android.

Technofreak

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#3476883 1-Apr-2026 20:54

On my Spark connected S25

Plus another 6 apps not shown

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#3476885 1-Apr-2026 21:05

Also showing on my work Samsung S23fe after the March 2026 update

boosacnoodle

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#3476891 1-Apr-2026 21:43

Must be imminent now that both Apple and Samsung have their updates out. Still no licenses showing on RSM.

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Technofreak

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#3476989 1-Apr-2026 22:32

boosacnoodle:

Must be imminent now that both Apple and Samsung have their updates out. Still no licenses showing on RSM.

The way I read it from the info showing on my phone is that it's working now. Perhaps I'm reading more into it than I should.

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#3476990 1-Apr-2026 22:34

@Technofreak I am reading it the same way I can test it tomorrow

boosacnoodle

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#3476991 1-Apr-2026 22:43

Having the entitlements available/granted on your phone doesn't mean it is switched on from the satellite itself yet. I was not able to get this work when I went out just a day or two ago, despite having this on my phone.

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#3477088 2-Apr-2026 09:15

The official launch: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=324380

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