Apple Continues Rolling Out Support for Carrier Satellite Services

Apple is continuing to add support for carrier-based satellite services, with au customers in Japan and One NZ customers in New Zealand now able to use the satellite connectivity offered by those carriers on compatible iPhone models.

starlink au
Both au and One NZ have partnered with SpaceX to provide their customers with Starlink Direct satellite service, joining T-Mobile in the U.S. in offering Starlink connectivity as an alternative to the satellite messaging features built into Apple's ‌iPhone‌ 14 and later models. Japan and New Zealand both have large swathes of land where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable due to terrain limitations.

For au customers, Starlink Direct covers all of Japan, providing connectivity in remote areas where cellular towers are not available. au does not charge for the service, which allows users to send and receive text messages, get emergency earthquake alerts, and share their location with friends and family.

In New Zealand, One NZ customers can use Starlink Direct to send and receive texts anywhere in the country, with the functionality included in eligible mobile plans.

Starlink Direct is available when cellular signal is not, as long as there is a clear line of sight to the sky. While an open space not obstructed by buildings helps with connectivity, users do not need to hold their smartphone up to the sky to connect, which is a requirement for Apple's built-in satellite service offered through its partnership with Globalstar.

Carrier-based satellite services are supported on the ‌iPhone‌ 14 models and later, and customers who have access to carrier satellite options can use those in addition to the satellite connectivity that is included in Apple's modern iPhones.

(Thanks, Dhinak!)

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Top Rated Comments

pugxiwawa Avatar
13 weeks ago

Musk looks more like a Bond villain every day with his increasing control of space.
You mean providing life saving measures in time of crisis and needs.

You can choose not to use it when you are stranded. But at least you have a choice.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pugxiwawa Avatar
13 weeks ago

LOL. He’s not doing it for the good of mankind. He’s doing it for the power, control, influence and money.
He made it possible. It’s there at time of crisis, it saved lives and provided critical communication during flood and fire. Also give people live in rural areas means to connect to internet.

Would you rather we don’t have Starlinks so you can feel better?

You don’t have to use it you know, even if your life depends on it. But don’t think it doesn’t serve purpose for millions who depend on it.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0049190 Avatar
13 weeks ago

You mean providing life saving measures in time of crisis and needs.

You can choose not to use it when you are stranded. But at least you have a choice.
LOL. He’s not doing it for the good of mankind. He’s doing it for the power, control, influence and money.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LordArchie Avatar
13 weeks ago

LOL. He’s not doing it for the good of mankind. He’s doing it for the power, control, influence and money.
This is the correct answer
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F23 Avatar
13 weeks ago
AirPods with satellite connectivity: you can now listen to your favorite tunes while awaiting your demise after getting lost on your hike in the forest.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robcole2013 Avatar
13 weeks ago
I wonder what battery life is like using satellite connectivity compared to the normal 4 & 5G?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)