Communications

New Zealand’s mobile phone coverage has improved with the launch of Starlink’s direct to cell mobile satellites powered by SpaceX. In partnership with Starlink, the One NZ Satellite TXT service launched in December 2024. It allows One NZ customers with an eligible mobile phone and plan to send and receive text messages from remote, rural and backcountry locations that are out of traditional cell tower coverage and where they have clear line of sight to the sky.

There are some important things to know about how this service works.

• The service applies to TXT messages only. Phone calls and data are not available yet, although this is expected in the future.
• Only One NZ customers with an eligible phone and plan can use the service. See the list of eligible phones here.
• You must have line of sight to the sky for the service to work. This means your phone needs a clear view of the sky to connect to the orbiting satellites.
• Text messages are unlikely to send or be received instantly. In many cases TXT messages will take 3 minutes and up to 10 minutes or more as messages travel via the satellite network.

For full details on the satellite to mobile service, visit the One NZ website.

While this service is an exciting step forward, we do not recommend you rely solely on your mobile phone as an emergency communication device.

In the backcountry or even in areas close to/within urban environments, there are some places where you may not have a line of sight to the sky, such as in dense bush or at the bottom of a narrow valley or gulley.

Even if you take another form of emergency communication, your phone is still a useful aid for navigation and non-emergency communication with friends and family. Where you can connect to satellite coverage, you’ll be able to update your trusted emergency contact on how you’re doing.

Tips for taking your mobile phone in the outdoors

Here are some tips for getting the best out of your phone while out on the track.

• Protect your phone – accidents happen, and an unexpected phone mishap isn’t out of the question. It’s easy to drop your phone – in a stream or river – or have a water bottle/bladder mishap in your pack. Keep your phone protected, for example with a waterproof case or zip-lock bag.

• Go light on battery use  – to conserve your battery for when you need it most, switch your phone to battery saving mode or flight mode.

• Charge as you go - Battery life is the biggest concern when using a phone away from civilization (and power outlets!). Invest in a lightweight power bank or solar charging unit so you can keep your phone charged and ready to use.

• Take a backup – If tramping with others, ensure someone else in the group has a back-up phone. If using your phone for navigation, it also pays to have a printed map marked with your route, just in case your technology fails.

When activated, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) sends your exact location to emergency services where they will get to you as soon as possible. 

How do they work?

Once activated, the signal is picked up by satellite and/or aircraft. An alert message is relayed to the nearest Local User Terminal (LUT, ground station), which calculates the beacon’s position and sends the data to the Mission Control Centre (MCC). The MCC then sends the information to the RCCNZ (located in Lower Hutt), which in turn initiates a class II rescue operation.

The beacons operate well with a clear view of the sky but may not work as quickly in gorges or heavy foliage where the sky is obscured. Do not turn off the device or move once you have activated it. Even if your message does not send immediately, satellites keep moving and within a few minutes one will come into sight of your location and the message will send.

If it is a false alarm, get a message to RCCNZ (0508-4RCCNZ, or 0508-472-269 or if outside New Zealand +64 4 577 8030) or Police as soon as possible. Failure to do this may divert SAR resources from genuine emergencies. Read more

Where can you hire one?

We have collated a list of New Zealand hire outlets for PLBs to the best of our knowledge. Please get in touch with us if you know any more places to hire PLBs.

Find a Hire Outlet near you

Running a backcountry event?

• Read: NZSAR - Emergency Communications Guidelines for Remote Activity Providers

Before leaving

• Know how and when to activate the beacon.
• Check the batteries and carry spares if user-replaceable type.
• Register your beacon
• Check the beacon is operational (some units have a test functions to do this).
• For more information please visit www.beacons.org.nz

How to dispose of an old PLB

Old or obsolete beacons need to be disposed of carefully to ensure they are not set off by accident. Do not just throw them away, as a lot of time and money has been spent on search operations to dig beacons out of rubbish tips.

The battery needs to be disconnected and the beacon disposed of according to local regulations, as many beacons contain hazardous materials.

If you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz distress beacon, please let Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) know by phoning 0800 406 111.

• Learn more