One NZ has expanded its satellite text service to help customers north of Hamilton stay connected as Cyclone Tam disrupts mobile coverage across Northland and Auckland.

Power outages caused by the storm have taken some mobile towers offline.

While One NZ sites have battery back-up, mobile coverage in the north remains limited.

In response, the company has made its One NZ Satellite service—powered by Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology—available at no extra charge to more users in the upper North Island, including Tauranga and Rotorua.

The service allows anyone with a VoLTE-capable 4G or 5G phone to send and receive basic text messages, even without traditional mobile signal, provided they have a clear view of the sky.

“This satellite-based text service offers another communication channel,” said Joe Goddard, One NZ Experience & Commercial Director.

“It means people can contact a loved one or arrange emergency help when other networks are down.”

The network banner on compatible phones will show One NZ SpaceX when connected.

One NZ is urging locals to charge their phones now in case conditions worsen.

Even those on other mobile networks can access the service by picking up a One NZ prepay SIM from dairies, petrol stations, supermarkets, or other local outlets.

To check if your phone is compatible, or to learn more, visit:

one.nz/our-networks/volte

one.nz/why-choose-us/satellite

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