Following wild weather and flooding in the Nelson-Tasman region, the One NZ Satellite texting service has been opened to more customers located in the top of the South Island.
Due to the storm and power outages, a number of mobile cell sites are not operating in the region. While all One NZ cell sites have battery back-up, following power cuts these batteries are running low or have been exhausted, meaning that in some areas 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/
Sharina Nisha, GM Network Services, says: “We understand how important mobile communication is as a lifeline, and this satellite-based text service offers a resilient alternative. Opening the network up enables more One NZ customers to send or receive basic text messages while we work to get our terrestrial cell network restored in the Nelson-Tasman region. The extended service area covers the South Island, north of Rangiora.
“This means Kiwi 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. This service isn’t intended to replace the existing mobile network but acts as a vital safety net, a backup that can save lives during disasters.
“Of course, people also need to have a charged mobile phone also, to 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 have wifi via https://one.nz/freetrial/ where they can get a free trial of the service now.
“Or people can pick up a One NZ Prepay SIM at their local dairy, supermarket, petrol station, or other retail outlet.
“People 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/