One NZ launches with SpaceX collaboration announcement

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › One NZ launches with SpaceX collaboration announcement

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#3444472 16-Dec-2025 08:59

Does that mean prepay now can pay $20 for data, and data is not available to on account? Or has data quitely been switched on for on account?

sittingduckz

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#3444476 16-Dec-2025 09:16

KiwiSurfer:

Does that mean prepay now can pay $20 for data, and data is not available to on account? Or has data quitely been switched on for on account?

It looks like the 85/mth unlimited plan includes data now, but not the others

I'm not a complete idiot, I still have some parts missing.

alasta

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#3444489 16-Dec-2025 09:48

The $20 a month sounds like a huge waste of money, at least for me. I don't use social media and the maps are unnecessary as I can just download them prior to going out of coverage.

yitz

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#3444494 16-Dec-2025 09:55

Looks like they broke Prepay Deals in the process...

Aucklandjafa

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#3444701 16-Dec-2025 19:44

Anyone know what data speeds someone can expect?

coffeebaron

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#3444757 16-Dec-2025 21:36

GPRS speeds hehe 😜

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#3444763 16-Dec-2025 22:48

Aucklandjafa:

Anyone know what data speeds someone can expect?

It’s limited to specified apps only (unless that has changed). Speed is irrelevant as you’re not exactly going to be able to open up a Speedtest due to how locked down it is.

Aucklandjafa

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#3445135 18-Dec-2025 08:34

boosacnoodle:

Aucklandjafa:

Anyone know what data speeds someone can expect?

It’s limited to specified apps only (unless that has changed). Speed is irrelevant as you’re not exactly going to be able to open up a Speedtest due to how locked down it is.

sure, but is it good enough for FaceTime, or to send a text-only email?

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#3445137 18-Dec-2025 08:49

If you look on the One NZ website

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

WhatsApp (including Meta AI within WhatsApp) - make calls, video calls, send group messages and search via Meta AI.

Apple - Apple Compass, Apple Fitness, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Weather.

So video calls yes but FaceTime not specifically mentioned.

alasta

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#3445142 18-Dec-2025 08:56

It's interesting that Apple Compass is listed. I can't imagine why you would need connectivity to use a compass!

It would be much more useful to include Strava.

KiwiSurfer

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#3445159 18-Dec-2025 10:12

alasta:

It's interesting that Apple Compass is listed. I can't imagine why you would need connectivity to use a compass!

It would be much more useful to include Strava.

Just looked at the Compass app and it seems it does some reverse geolocation -- it says I'm in Auckland, New Zealand -- something it would need to query a reverse geolocation service for.

I assume without data connectivity the app will just omit this bit of information -- so having this avaliable via satellite would be useful I guess to confirm approx regional location.

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#3445458 18-Dec-2025 17:06

Isn't it just good old Assisted GPS?

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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#3457979 2-Feb-2026 11:25

Press release:

One NZ has taken its next giant leap, expanding on the existing satellite messaging service to include select apps and satellite voice calling via WhatsApp for eligible customers. Satellite messaging and apps are powered by Starlink’s network of 650 Direct-to-Cell satellites.

“Satellite texting changed the game for New Zealanders, who are now safer and better connected because of this service. But it was always a starting point for One NZ customers,” says Experience and Commercial Director, Joe Goddard. “We’re now taking things to the next level rolling out data, giving customers with an eligible phone and plan access to important information like weather and maps while outside of traditional mobile coverage – and letting them keep in touch with friends and family with satellite calling on WhatsApp when they have line of sight to the sky.”

Since One NZ Satellite was launched with texting as a world-first in December 2024, customers across the country have embraced the service, sending over 10 million messages through space.

This is helping Kiwis connect with each other in parts of New Zealand where mobile signal didn’t traditionally reach – which equates to around 40% of the country’s landmass – and they can now communicate through the satellite-to-mobile network.

Late last year, One New Zealand worked closely with Samsung to provide early access to data for customers with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Flip7 or Flip7 FE phones on an eligible plan. One NZ has now also opened its satellite data service to customers with an Apple iPhone 13 and above and is planning to add more phones to the line-up in the coming months.

Joe adds: “Samsung has been an awesome partner in preparing to roll out data via Starlink’s satellite constellation. This is truly cutting-edge work and we’re thankful for their hard work to get us to this point. I’d also like to thank Meta, who sent engineers down to Aotearoa in 2025 to perform WhatsApp testing with our teams, helping us refine the experience in the run up to launch.”

One NZ customers with an eligible phone and plan and line of sight to the sky, now have access to WhatsApp (including Meta AI), Google Maps, AllTrails, Plan My Walk Accuweather, and X.

“Accessing the data service works in the same way as our satellite TXT service, with phones picking up the satellite when out of range of our mobile signal,” says Joe.

“We’ve heard from many Kiwi this summer who’ve been relying on our satellite service while tramping on Great Barrier, deep sea fishing, and travelling through the Arthur’s Pass to name but a few. We’ve also heard examples of how One NZ Satellite has provided reassuring connection during emergency situations. We’re excited to hear how the addition of data keeps our customers better connected.”

One NZ is working with app developer Smudge to help support local New Zealand companies to get their apps ready for the new satellite data service.

“Having been first in the world to launch our satellite IoT service in 2025, we know that businesses in New Zealand will find expanded data coverage super valuable. Anyone with a remote field force or who travels for work will be safer and can get more done with One NZ Satellite,” adds Joe.

“We’re excited to see a Kiwi app, Plan My Walk, become satellite enabled recently, and we hope to see even more Kiwi apps launch soon, to add to the international ones currently being offered.”

If developers have an app you are interested in optimising for satellite, head to one.nz/sat-apps for more info.

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KiwiSurfer

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#3457981 2-Feb-2026 11:34

Used it on a trip to Great Barrier Island recently where I spent 3 days tramping with a group. Satellite SMS and WhatsApp messaging worked well and phone seamlessly switched between satellite and normal service. To be far One/2deg coverage was generally very good (with Spark being very poor -- my Spark "backup" phone spent most of the time in emergecy calls only mode so I should really have just left it behind) but satellite just goes one step further. We had an minor accident en route -- luckily 2deg coverage was good enough that other people in my party was able to call 111 and arrange helicopter rescue. But I felt a lot better knowing that we had One NZ satellite as an option if need be.

alasta

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#3457986 2-Feb-2026 12:16

freitasm:

“We’ve heard from many Kiwi this summer who’ve been relying on our satellite service while tramping on Great Barrier, deep sea fishing, and travelling through the Arthur’s Pass to name but a few. We’ve also heard examples of how One NZ Satellite has provided reassuring connection during emergency situations. We’re excited to hear how the addition of data keeps our customers better connected.”

This sounds like a pretty misleading statement. As I understand it, One NZ's satellite service does not support connectivity with emergency services.

Anyone recreating in a remote area should have a PLB, or at least a Garmin Inreach or iPhone with the unrelated satellite SOS feature. One NZ are not providing a feasible alternative to this.

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