SpaceX will soon begin testing its Starlink Direct-To-Cell (DTC) technology in New Zealand, after already launching tests in Romania. In New Zealand, the company has received government approval to begin testing with One New Zealand, the country’s largest 5G operator, while in Romania, SpaceX has conducted tests with the national regulator.
According to a press release from One NZ, the testing phase there will begin “soon,” and is expected to last until Christmas 2024. During this time customers participating in the trial will see their phones connect to the “One NZ Starlink” network rather than traditional mobile towers. Initially, the service will enable SMS messaging, with voice calling expected to follow by 2026.
This strategy ensures that the technology is tested across a variety of mobile devices and locations throughout the country.
New Zealand’s rugged terrain poses a unique challenge for mobile operators, with approximately 40% of the country having no cellular coverage. Natural disasters like Cyclone Gabrielle have further exposed the vulnerabilities of terrestrial mobile networks in the country, particularly when power outages disrupt connectivity.
Meanwhile, SpaceX has already been testing their DTC service in Romania, although for different reasons. According to a report from SatNews, Romania’s National Authority for Communications (ANCOM), the Ministry of National Defense, and SpaceX recently conducted a test to see if Starlink’s non-geostationary satellites (NGSO) can work without interfering with geostationary satellites (GSO).
ANCOM stated that the data collected from this test will be shared with relevant European and international organizations to inform ongoing studies and contribute to updates in satellite communication regulations.
