It's a milestone worth celebrating. But behind that big number is something even more meaningful: millions of connections made possible in places where traditional mobile coverage doesn't reach.
From building and testing the technology, to launching One NZ Satellite, a huge amount of work went into making satellite connectivity a reality for Kiwi.
Our goal was simple: make sure Kiwi and Kiwi businesses can connect beyond the reach of traditional cell towers. Now, 20 million One NZ Satellite TXTs later, we’re seeing the impact of One NZ Satellite at scale.
With One NZ Satellite, customers can TXT when travelling, working or adventuring in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and remote places, provided they have a compatible phone and a clear line of sight to the sky.
It's technology that's helping extend connectivity into the roughly 40% of New Zealand's landmass without traditional mobile coverage, as well as up to 85 nautical miles offshore. Fast-forward to today, and 20 million One NZ Satellite TXTs later, it's clear just how valuable that extra layer of connectivity can be.
Behind every TXT is a person, a conversation or a moment that matters. It might be someone checking in with their whānau during their hunting and fishing trips, trampers contacting helicopter services for help when conditions have changed suddenly and businesses being able to stay connected to their team when they're working on a remote job.
These are the kinds of connections that satellite technology is making possible across Aotearoa.
And while 20 million One NZ Satellite TXTs is an impressive number, it's what those messages represent that really matters.
Of course, One NZ Satellite TXT was just the beginning. One NZ Satellite has continued to evolve, with One NZ Satellite Data now enabling use of select apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Google Maps and more.
That means making a WhatsApp call, getting a weather update or locating a team member is now possible and means thousands of Kiwi feel safer and better connected - even in the most remote parts of Aotearoa.
Satellite-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) technology is opening new possibilities for Kiwi businesses and industries, helping them work smarter and stay connected in remote locations.
On farms, Halter is using One NZ Satellite connectivity to support its smart collars and virtual fencing technology, helping farmers manage livestock in remote areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been piloting One NZ Satellite-enabled sensors to monitor facilities and wastewater systems in remote locations, providing valuable information without the need for traditional mobile coverage.
It's a glimpse of how One NZ Satellite connectivity can support innovation across New Zealand, from agriculture and conservation to business productivity and safety.
A massive thank you to everyone across One NZ, and to our partners and customers who played a part in getting us here.
20 million One NZ Satellite TXTs is worth celebrating. The people who made those TXTs possible, even more so.
Here’s to the next milestone.
Find out more about One NZ Satellite, including eligible phones, plans and satellite-enabled apps.
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 applies. See one.nz/satellite