*Updated 11:30am, 19 April: Now power is being restored to cell sites, we are returning to normal services. This means One NZ Satellite TXT will continue to work on eligible phones and plans only - see one.nz/satellite for eligibility.*

With impacts from Cyclone Tam being felt around the country, and particularly in Northland and Auckland currently, One NZ is opening its One NZ Satellite service to more customers located north of Hamilton including Tauranga plus Rotorua.

Due to the storm and power outages, some mobile cell sites are not operating in the North. While all One NZ cell sites have battery back-up, some mobile services are limited.

The One NZ Satellite service delivered in partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell enables One NZ customers with a VoLTE-capable roaming device the ability to send and receive text messages at no extra charge.

This means most 4G and all 5G phones can access basic messaging (SMS), and you check your device eligibility here: https://one.nz/our-networks/volte/

Joe Goddard, One NZ Experience & Commercial Director, says: “This satellite-based text service offers another communication channel and will enable more One NZ customers to send or receive basic text messages during the storm.

“This means they could text a loved one and ask them to call 111 or emergency services if needed, if they are in an area where traditional mobile or connectivity networks are disrupted, and have line of sight to the sky.

“We urge New Zealanders to charge your phones now, and be prepared in case the weather situation gets worse.

“Friends and family who are on other mobile networks and have a VoLTE-capable phone will also be able to TXT via satellite if they pick up a One NZ Prepay SIM at their local dairy, supermarket, petrol station, or other retail outlet.”

Customers will know if they have connected to One NZ Satellite Service, as the network banner will show ‘One NZ SpaceX’.

For more information about the service, please visit: https://one.nz/why-choose-us/satellite/