▾SpaceX, in collaboration with New Zealand operator One NZ, has launched the first nationwide satellite network for sending SMS messages. This groundbreaking service allows communication even in areas without traditional mobile signal. Currently, it supports only four phone models and message delivery time can take up to 10 minutes.
The first nationwide satellite network for sending SMS messages is a reality. SpaceX, in collaboration with New Zealand operator One NZ, has launched a new service that allows sending text messages even from areas without traditional mobile signal. This is a historic milestone in satellite communication, which could herald the future of satellite communication.
Sending may take several minutes
The service currently has its limitations. The delivery time of a message can extend up to 10 minutes, reminiscent of the early days of SMS communication in the 1990s. According to One NZ, the usual delivery time is around 3 minutes, but it can be longer in the initial phase. The company, however, promises gradual improvement of the service.
Currently, satellite messaging can be tested by owners of only four phone models: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, S24 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Pro. Expansion of support to other devices is planned for next year. For existing One NZ customers with monthly plans, the service is available for free.
Global ambitions and a future without dead zones
Starlink is not limited to New Zealand. Similar partnerships have already been made in Canada, Australia, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, Chile, and the USA (in collaboration with T-Mobile). In the future, expansion of services to include voice calls and data transfers is expected, which could potentially mean the end of areas without mobile coverage.
The technology has already proven its usefulness during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024, when it was tested in cooperation with T-Mobile. After receiving approval from the FCC in November, beta testing in the USA is prepared for early next year.
Phone instead of a card or key. What is NFC and how does it work?
Just hold your phone up to a terminal and within moments the payment is made. However, NFC technology is capable of much more. We will explain what NFC is and how it works, what actually happens during NFC mobile payments, what else you can use it for, and how secure it is. We will also show what NFC tags are and how they can simplify some daily tasks.
What would happen if the internet went down for a day?
What if there was a full-day internet outage? An immediate collapse of society wouldn't occur, but daily operations would quickly become complicated because today's world is more dependent on the internet than we often realize. Which services would stop functioning first, and what would happen with payments, transportation, or work?
WPA, WPA2, WPA3: Which Wi-Fi security should you use today?
WPA, WPA2, WPA3, AES or TKIP? Wi-Fi security settings might initially seem unnecessarily complicated. However, when you understand what each abbreviation stands for, it becomes fairly simple. Therefore, we'll explain the differences between them and which is the best choice today. We'll also suggest what settings to choose if you have older devices at home that don't support the latest standard.
Is incognito mode really anonymous? Who still sees what you're doing
Do you think incognito mode hides you from everyone on the internet? In reality, it works a bit differently. We explain what it actually does, when it's sensible to use it, who can still see your activity, and whether history can be traced in incognito mode.
Why Does AI Hallucinate? A Peek Under the Hood of Language Models
AI can answer almost any question in just a few seconds. However, sometimes it confidently states information that is not true. Why does this happen and what are so-called AI hallucinations? In this article, we'll explain how large language models work, why they sometimes create false answers and how developers are gradually trying to mitigate this issue.
What is a CDN and why is internet content copied worldwide
Behind every loaded video, photo, or webpage is a technology called CDN. It is used by streaming services, social networks, and regular websites, yet many people have never heard of it. In this article, we will explain what this abbreviation means, how it works, why internet content is stored in various locations around the world, and why today's internet can hardly do without it.