But of course, there are some drawbacks. Starlink texting is noticeably slower than your usual messaging methods. During the initial rollout, One NZ says most texts should be sent and received within about three minutes but warns that it could stretch to “10 minutes or longer.” Because of this, they still recommend carrying a personal locator beacon if you’re heading to remote areas.
Video credit – One NZ
But don’t worry; this list will likely expand in the coming year. Plus, the company plans to add voice calling and data to the mix eventually.
If you’re already a One NZ customer with a paid monthly plan, the satellite service comes at no extra cost. But as for new sign-ups or those on other plans, One NZ hasn’t said yet whether you’ll have to shell out more for satellite-to-cell access.
As more countries get on board with this satellite texting service, it could change the game for communication, especially for those in rural or remote areas with spotty or no cellular coverage. The same goes for outdoor enthusiasts – hikers, campers, and adventurers – who can use satellite texting to share their location, send updates, or even call for help if things go south.