At long last in New Zealand if you’re with One.NZ and if you’re on one of the cellular plans that allow this new feature to work.
So New Zealand is the first country in the world to have Satellite TXT (texting) available to anyone with a late model Samsung, OPPO, and since the latest Apple iPhone update 18.3 software update, late model iPhones can now use Satellite texting family and friends from the most remotest parts of New Zealand.
In the US some people that are have signed up to beta program with one of the networks in the USA are able to also now use the same Service.
This below is from One.NZ website
“One NZ Satellite TXT is here. With this initial service, customers with an eligible One NZ phone and plan who are out of traditional cell-tower coverage can now send and receive TXTs anywhere in New Zealand they have a clear line of sight to the sky.*
These customers will be some of the first in the world to enjoy this new technology, which is being rolled out in partnership with Starlink Direct to Mobile (engineered by SpaceX).
Whether on the farm, on the road, on the water, or in the mountains, eligible One NZ customers living, working, and playing in some of the most remote parts of our country can enjoy coverage like never before.
One NZ Satellite TXT offers an extra layer of protection to existing safety devices. If you’re planning a visit to somewhere remote, it’s always recommended to take a personal locator beacon in case of emergency.
The initial TXT service will take longer to send and receive TXT messages. In many cases, TXT messages will take 3 minutes. However, at times it may take 10 minutes or longer, especially during the first few months. As the service matures and more satellites are launched, we expect delivery times to improve.
The type of eligible phone you are using, where you are in New Zealand and whether a satellite is currently overhead will all have an impact on whether your TXT is sent or received and how long it takes.”
If you would like to learn more check out this link https://one.nz/why-choose-us/spacex/
The future is here now with voice calls via satellite coming soon while the next couple of years anyway?