One New Zealand & Starlink launch nationwide IoT satellite network

One New Zealand has launched a satellite-based internet of things (IoT) service, enabling SMS and data connectivity for IoT devices across the entire country.

The nationwide service, powered by Starlink Direct to Cell technology, aims to provide coverage to regions that have previously been inaccessible due to a lack of traditional cell tower infrastructure.

Nationwide coverage

Mike Purchase, Chief Enterprise Director at One NZ, outlined the significance of the launch.

"We're proud to announce another global first, with One NZ customers being the very first anywhere to benefit from brand new IoT connectivity covering all of Aotearoa, powered by our partner Starlink with their Direct to Cell technology," he stated.

He explained the practical benefits of the expanded coverage, noting that the service addresses a longstanding challenge for many organisations.

"Put simply, we now offer coverage for IoT devices across all of New Zealand, including the 40% that doesn't have traditional cell tower coverage. This offers One NZ customers the ability to connect off-the-shelf CAT-1 IoT modules that work on traditional mobile networks for an affordable price," Purchase said.

The system uses standard 4G networks when available but automatically switches to One NZ Satellite in rural or remote areas, as long as there is line of sight to the sky. This hybrid model enables organisations to connect hundreds or thousands of devices across the country, facilitating the sharing of data such as GPS location and sensor readings from locations previously out of reach.

Commercial beekeeping in remote areas

One NZ has tested the service in collaboration with businesses ahead of its rollout. Among these is APIS Solutions, a company that supports commercial beekeepers in monitoring their hives remotely.

APIS Solutions Chief Executive, Andrew Thompson is buzzing about the new technology: "Until now, it was complicated and expensive to connect hives outside of the traditional cell tower network. The One NZ Satellite service provides a night and day difference when it comes to the ability to connect and cost. Now using the same off-the-shelf mobile module that we use to connect to a traditional mobile tower, our customers can monitor, measure and make smarter decisions to reduce costs, optimise hive yields and hive health anywhere in NZ with a clear line of sight to the sky."

He added, "This is also a great example of NZ companies working together to deliver solutions that have domestic and international appeal."

Satellite network expansion

Since its initial introduction in late 2024, the One NZ Satellite service has seen continued enhancement. Purchase highlighted the progress made by their partnership with Starlink and the growing capabilities of the network.

"Since our launch, our partner Starlink has continued launching satellites at pace - there are now more than 600 in the sky, meaning that the capacity has doubled, and the availability has also dramatically improved, reducing the time it takes to send and receive SMS and now for our IoT customers, data as well. [...] We're hugely excited about how this will open up new opportunities in IoT for sectors like agriculture, transport, environmental monitoring and many more that power our economy here in NZ and that our customers can get started from today."

The IoT connectivity available through this service is intended to support a wider range of applications across multiple industries in New Zealand, removing connectivity barriers in areas previously out of reach for cellular networks.