From a safety net in space to an award-winning innovation
When One NZ launched satellite TXT in late 2024, it was designed to solve a simple problem: how do you stay connected when you're in places traditional mobile coverage can’t reach?
Less than two years later, that idea has evolved into something much bigger.
One NZ Satellite has been recognised with the Canstar Innovation Excellence Award 2026, acknowledging its role in helping New Zealanders stay connected in some of the country's most remote locations.
And this award is a reflection of something happening on the ground - and above it.
Connectivity where traditional mobile coverage can't reach
As New Zealand's telco, One NZ launched the world's first nationwide commercial satellite TXT service and, for more than a year, was the only national provider to offer satellite-to-mobile connectivity. Today, One NZ Satellite extends coverage across remote parts of Aotearoa and up to 85 nautical miles offshore. And it now goes beyond TXT, with data available on select apps so customers can send messages, make voice calls through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, check directions and access information when they're beyond traditional mobile coverage.
With an eligible phone and plan, and a clear view of the sky, One NZ Satellite* is helping thousands of New Zealanders stay safer and better connected in the moments that matter.
More than just a safety feature
The need for resilient connectivity became particularly clear following Cyclone Gabrielle, which exposed the challenges faced by ground-based mobile network during major weather events.
What started as a safety net in space has evolved into an everyday connectivity tool.
Whether it's heading off on a multi-day hike, spending time on the water, travelling through remote regions or working in places where coverage has traditionally been limited, satellite connectivity is giving people more confidence to go further while staying connected.
The opportunities don't stop there.
Across TXT, data and IoT, One NZ Satellite is helping unlock practical solutions for businesses too — improving safety with extended coverage and enabling new ways to stay connected on land and at sea.
True Kiwi innovation in action
Across Aotearoa, businesses and organisations are already finding new ways to use One NZ Satellite.
At sea, AquaGPS, developed in partnership with NZ Boat Register, helps track and locate vessels beyond coastal coverage, improving visibility and safety on the water.
On farms, Halter's connected collars are enabling virtual fencing for beef cattle, helping farmers manage livestock without physical boundaries and creating new possibilities for farming in remote locations.
Meanwhile, satellite-enabled sensors are being piloted with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to help monitor toilets, huts and wastewater systems in remote areas. Real-time data can help improve planning, maintenance and resource allocation.
These examples, and more, show how One NZ Satellite is evolving from a connectivity feature into a broader innovation platform - one that is creating real value for customers and enabling a wide range of applications across Aotearoa, from safer journeys to smarter ways of working in remote environments.
What comes next for Satellite?
As One NZ Satellite continues to evolve across TXT, data and IoT, new use cases and applications will continue to emerge.
The focus remains on applying the technology in practical ways — extending network reach beyond traditional mobile coverage, enabling new solutions and helping more New Zealanders stay connected wherever they are.
From supporting safer adventures and stronger communities to helping businesses operate more efficiently, One NZ Satellite is helping unlock new possibilities across Aotearoa.
And as this year's Canstar Innovation Excellence Award shows, that idea is resonating far beyond the mobile industry.
* One NZ Satellite: TXT/MMS in minutes and use data on select apps. Requires eligible phone/device and plan/IoT plan. Requires line of sight to the sky. Limited app features. Paid Add-On may apply. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control apply. see: https://one.nz/satellite/