One New Zealand (One NZ) has successfully sent their first text message via its Satellite-to-Mobile service, powered by the SpaceX Starlink Direct-to-Cell service.
According to a One NZ, the test was conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a text message, “Up the Wahs!” was sent from an unmodified phone by company engineers as part of ongoing field testing.
If like us you are wondering what “Up the Wahs!” means, it is apparently a popular rallying cry for fans of the New Zealand Warriors rugby team. In 2023, during a successful season for the Warriors, One NZ briefly changed their name that appears on mobile phones from ‘OneNZ’ to ‘UpTheWahs.’
Sharina Nisha, One NZ’s General Manager of Network Services, called the moment “historic,” highlighting the significance of this first successful text message. “Successfully sending messages from the ground here on an unmodified phone is real-world validation of years of planning and preparation by the One NZ and SpaceX teams.”
The primary advantage of this service is its ability to provide connectivity in remote areas where traditional mobile networks might struggle. New Zealand, known for its rugged terrain and isolated regions, will benefit from the enhanced coverage that satellite communication offers. Not only will it improve safety for those venturing into less accessible areas, but it will also provide businesses with a reliable communication option.
In preparation for a full launch, One New Zealand is conducting a comprehensive testing program across the country. Engineers are testing the service in various real-world conditions to ensure its reliability. The goal is to launch the Satellite-to-Mobile service commercially when messages can be sent or received within minutes, regardless of location.
To date, more than 230 Starlink satellites are in orbit, with more being launched on a near-weekly basis.
New Zealand is now the second country where a text message has been successfully sent via the Starlink Direct-to-Cell service. The service is currently being actively tested in the United States, where SpaceX recently received emergency approval to offer the service for free in areas impacted by recent hurricanes.
Canada will also get the service after Rogers signed a deal with SpaceX in 2023. Elon Musk has since said that SpaceX hopes to have the service eventually be available on all carriers worldwide.
