Mobile phone coverage via Satellite - SpaceX and One.nz

overscan (PaulMM)

overscan (PaulMM)

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SpaceX

Working towards mobile coverage across New Zealand with SpaceX, launching with SMS capability in 2024.
one.nz one.nz

NZ Telco one.nz (formerly Vodafone NZ) is one of six ISPs partnering with SpaceX to do mobile phone calling via satellite.

NZ Mobile networks cover 98% of where people live, but only 40% of New Zealand. So satellite calling can open up access in the rest
of the country. It will even cover you many miles out to sea.

This will work with any existing mobiles supporting VoLTE. SpaceX satellites are being launched with 4G/5G mobile antennas, effectively VERY fast moving cell phone towers in space. Initially TXT roaming only is supported, but once enough compatible satellites are launched, voice, data and video calling will be possible. With phones that support VoLTE roaming you will potentially be able to use your mobile phone via satellite when overseas as well.
 
Will be interesting to see what companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. do when this becomes more widespread.
 
Yes, from the phones perspective it's just a normal LTE cell tower, a bit further away than normal.
 

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