Analysis: Comparing New Zealand carriers’ satellite-to-mobile

See Spark launches satellite-to-mobile via Starlink in the April 10 edition The Download Weekly.

Spark and One NZ: the same tech, different timing and packaging

Spark and One NZ both use SpaceX’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell constellation. At the infrastructure level they are running identical technology. 2degrees is on an entirely different path.

One NZ had the first-mover advantage. It was the first carrier in the world to offer a commercial satellite-to-mobile service using Starlink, even launching ahead of America’s T-Mobile.

The company’s December 2024 launch was text-only and limited to four handsets. It only added satellite data, including WhatsApp voice calling, in February 2026.

Text and data from day one

It took Spark 14 years to catch-up, but it has launched with both data and text from day one. In terms of the offer to customers, the two are now on level pegging. Spark says customers on eligible plans get satellite data and text included simultaneously.

In effect, Spark has condensed One NZ’s 14-month long learning curve into its day one offer.

The two telcos appear to support the same (or very similar) range of apps: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, AccuWeather, Plan my Walk and Google Maps.

When One NZ launched in December 2024, supporting only four handsets was a significant limitation. Today it can work with more than 70 devices. At the time of its launch last week, Spark did not feel it necessary to specify which devices will work with its services.

Pricing

Both telcos offer free satellite services to customers on more expensive plans. Otherwise One NZ’s satellite text starts at $5 per month as a standalone add-on. Spark’s optional add-on starts at $10 per month.

Spark’s base price is higher for casual users, but its inclusion threshold for bundled plans appears competitive.

One area of remaining difference is IoT. One NZ offers satellite IoT using off-the-shelf CAT-1 modules. There was no mention of satellite IoT in Spark’s announcement but the company has made major investments in terrestrial IoT networks.

When One NZ launched its satellite service the company talked of an exclusive deal with Starlink. We can deduce that deal was for a limited period, not much more than a year.

The company got important publicity and technology kudos for being ahead of its rival, but it will be interesting to see if its first mover advantage proves to be any more than bragging rights.

2degrees has a distinct satellite strategy

Starlink does not feature in 2degrees’ announced satellite plans. The company is working with AST SpaceMobile towards a launched planned for mid-2026. It is currently building a ground station in the Manawatū town of Marton, chosen for its clear sight lines.

The architectural differences from the Starlink model are significant. While Starlink uses SpaceX’s constellation made up of thousands of satellites, AST plans to operate a smaller network made up of dozens of larger satellites.

At the moment it plans between 45 and 60 for worldwide coverage. Each is roughly the size of a tennis court with 223 square metres of antenna surface area.

Any handset

Handset compatibility is a key difference. Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell requires phones to support the service, which is why both One NZ and Spark have device eligibility lists.

2degrees says the AST service works with unmodified mobile handsets. It says 99.9 percent of handsets now on its network would work with no adjustments. That includes anything with a 3GPP specification covering 4G and 5G.

Sovereign satallites

There is also a satellite sovereignty dimension that 2degrees is actively marketing. AST’s satellites are described as "dumb radios”. That’s because all the intelligence sits in 2degrees’ NZ-controlled equipment.

This means data never leaves New Zealand’s jurisdiction. All network operations are handled by a NZ-based team with traffic going from satellites through 2degrees’ ground station to its core network.

Neither Spark nor One NZ have made comparable sovereignty claims about their Starlink arrangements. Indeed, As a US company, Starlink can in certain circumstances be compelled to hand over customer data to American agencies.

Performance

2degrees says testing has demonstrated speeds of 20 Mbps, with a second-generation AST satellite due to offer 120 Mbps. The service promises a full cellular experience including voice calls, 4G, 5G and video calling with seamless handover between satellites and terrestrial towers.

Those figures, if they hold at commercial launch, would substantially outperform what either Spark or One NZ currently deliver via Starlink’s selected-app model.

However this is all on paper, 2degrees is not live yet. The company has been conservative in marketing and talking about satellite services following earlier Commerce Commission warnings about promotional claims.

More on Leo satellites and space-based connectivity:

Comprehensive coverage of satellite broadband, direct-to-mobile services and the competitive landscape:

• Starlink making waves in rural New Zealand
• One New Zealand launches first satellite IoT network
• Starlink launches One NZ cell-tower-in-sky satellites
• Mobile-to-satellite nears: Lynk, 2degrees test two-way voice
• New Zealand satellite communications