Seems to have stopped working for me. I’m guessing it’s because I’m running the iOS 26 dev beta ? 

Is anyone using refurbished, parallel imported, or phones purchased outside NZ on One SpaceX network successfully?

I see on the One NZ Satellite FAQ it says 'Phones purchased outside of New Zealand (including parallel imports) may not be compatible'

I am need to upgrade my S8Active. So thinking on getting a refurbished S24 from Goodtech or similar (which maybe a AT&T version). 

I spend a lot of time in remote mountain areas for play and conservation work. I currently borrow other peoples InReach devices for safety txt updates and to txt helicopter pilots for pick ups. I am really keen to get a phone suitable for satellite txting so I need to make sure the phone is suitable for One Satellite txting.

What are other peoples experience with S24 or other Samsung imported phones and satellite txting. I see it uses Google Messages so I guess it should work on all S24 versions and ROMs.

Or should I spend the extra $ and get a S24 locally?  

@SickmanNZ Buying a US purchased Samsung handset is the last thing you want to do!

So many posts / threads on Geekzone why you don't even consider it - thrashed to death

Best to buy a NZ handset. The approved phones have the correct software to enable satellite connectivity. There are a few reasons for this; e.g. to ensure the phone doesn't stay camped onto Space-x when in terrestrial coverage, and other features coming etc.

SickmanNZ:

 

Or should I spend the extra $ and get a S24 locally?  

 

This is your best option.

Linux:

 

@SickmanNZ Buying a US purchased Samsung handset is the last thing you want to do!

 

So many posts / threads on Geekzone why you don't even consider it - thrashed to death

 

My partner and I currently have S8 Actives which an US AT&T version and it has been the best phone ever in NZ with the larger battery and more robust glass and hard plastic rear. They never sold this model in NZ but they have been popular for the very keen outdoor sport people like myself who normally destroy phones during our outdoor adventures. 

But I agree yes do have to check what bands they are on, and you have to have some geek knowledge about uploading firmware updates etc to get the best out of them. Yes, if you do not know this stuff then not a good option for most people. 

coffeebaron:

 

 e.g. to ensure the phone doesn't stay camped onto Space-x when in terrestrial coverage

 

yes, I hear people having issues with their phone staying locked to SpaceX once back in cell tower coverage and having to restart to clear the lock on. 

coffeebaron:

 

 and other features coming etc.

 

Yes, probably best to ensure I can use data features coming soon, and also other satellite mobile suppliers in a couple of years. 

Thanks

wellygary:

 

DjShadow:

 

My son just got a message saying his S22 Ultra now supports the Satellite service

 

 

With more and more devices becoming eligible, I have a nasty feeling that One will be looking to make this an upsell service in the near future....

 

Yep:

https://one.nz/faq/one-nz-satellite-frequently-asked-questions

One NZ Satellite TXT is available until 1 December on active Prepay Plans with eligible phones at no extra charge. After that, it will continue to be included on Prepay Plus Endless Starter, Endless Plus and Unlimited Prepay Plans. A new satellite TXT Add-On will become available for other eligible Prepay Plus and Pay & Go plans soon.

Also seems like they want to bounce people to their more expensive new prepaid plans:

I'm still on MyFlex. Can I get Satellite TXT?
No, the Add-On will be available for our Pay & Go customers, or those on Prepay Plus plans where itБ─≥s not already included. Satellite TXT will continue to be included on Travel, Prepay Plus Endless Starter, Endless Plus and Unlimited Prepay with an eligible phone.

Some Samsung users now have early access to select apps via satellite. If you have a Galaxy Z Flip7, Fold7 or Flip7 FE and are on One Plan™ or One Team Plan™, then you can use WhatsApp, Google Maps, AllTrails and more from anywhere in NZ you can see the sky! We can't wait to bring this to more phones soon.

Good to see. I believe there is a Japanese carrier which has already had this launched for some months now. Will be interesting to see if this functionality comes to MVNOs, if ever - or if it will be treated more like Apple Watch / OneNumber support where it's exclusive to the main brands. Has there been any news out of the other big two on when they may have a satellite offering available?

SickmanNZ:

 

I spend a lot of time in remote mountain areas for play and conservation work. I currently borrow other peoples InReach devices for safety txt updates and to txt helicopter pilots for pick ups. I am really keen to get a phone suitable for satellite txting so I need to make sure the phone is suitable for One Satellite txting.

 

What are other peoples experience with S24 or other Samsung imported phones and satellite txting. I see it uses Google Messages so I guess it should work on all S24 versions and ROMs.

 

Or should I spend the extra $ and get a S24 locally?  

 

You "spend a lot of time in remote mountain areas" so I'd say the priority would be reliability and safety. Do not put this on the hands of a parallel import that may or may not work.

@SickmanNZ, why not look at Samsung's XCover series? 

https://one.nz/samsung-galaxy/xcover/ 

mrgsm021:

 

@SickmanNZ, why not look at Samsung's XCover series? 

 

Xcover was an option looked at. But I am keen for better cameras than the XCover provides, also better power. Saying that the XCover has probably a better camera than I have at the moment on the S8 Active. Sounds like you cannot purchase OEM spare batteries for the XCover which is silly (I am sure there AliExpress options), which means I still have to run my phone off powerbank when doing long days in the field. 

Grab yourself an A56 with a battery case, the camera on that is no joke

Starlith:

 

Grab yourself an A56 with a battery case, the camera on that is no joke

 

I guess the other thing was compact size of a S25 or S24 that I prefer and it makes it easy fit in the hip pocket of my pack, short pocket, or in the waterproof phone pouch on my pack shoulder. If the A56 was smaller it would be a good option. 

FYI, I also carry a PLB in the wilderness. I do work in Fiorldland.