How ODA helped One NZ pioneer satellite services

In December 2024 New Zealand’s One NZ became the first telco in the world to launch a nationwide, satellite-based, direct-to-cellular (D2C) texting service using Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Since then, One NZ has expanded its satellite offering with data applications that enable customers to access maps, weather updates, WhatsApp and Meta AI beyond traditional mobile coverage. The same digital platform continues to accelerate product delivery and innovation across the business.

New Zealand’s geography of mountains, remote coastlines and very sparsely inhabited rural areas means 40% of its landmass is not covered by traditional mobile networks. Satellite texting and data services allow One NZ to fill important coverage gaps for its customers, including enterprises..

"We weren't just integrating another access technology," explains Sharina Nisha, General Manager Business Transformation at One NZ. "We were demonstrating how we could operate as a digital platform provider. That distinction is important because it means we can continue introducing new capabilities as the technology evolves."

Leveraging a digital platform

A key part of the transformation was implementing a new business support platform aligned with TM Forum's Open Digital Architecture (ODA).

"Having a clear separation between customer, product, service and network domains gave us enormous flexibility," says Nisha. "Satellite happened to be the first major proof point, but the architecture was designed to support much more than one product."

The platform enables zero-touch customer journeys, automated provisioning and rapid service innovation.

Nisha cites the example of a free 30-day trial of D2C texting service offered to non-One NZ customers. Prospective customers were able to register their interest in a free trial and their device on One NZ’s website.

"We were able to build capabilities in weeks that would traditionally have taken months," says Nisha. "That's where the real value of digital transformation becomes tangible."

One NZ uses its service order management (SOM) layer for activation and inventory as well as assurance, and the system draws on both network and customer data to enable proactive performance management.

“If you look at our core commerce domain, we were integrating our SOM layer back up to Salesforce, but also making sure that we’ve got the orchestration, plans and add-ons and usage thresholds, all correctly lined up.”

First-mover advantage

Becoming the first operator globally to commercialise nationwide direct-to-device satellite services generated significant international attention, but for One NZ the greater success has been what followed.

Customers have now sent more than 17 million satellite text messages, while the company has steadily expanded supported devices and satellite-enabled applications.

"Being first was important, but creating real customer value was always the goal," says Nisha. "We've shown that satellite can become a seamless extension of the mobile network, giving customers connectivity in places they simply didn't have before”.

"The programme has also reinforced the benefits of One NZ's digital transformation. Because we built reusable capabilities rather than point solutions, every new enhancement becomes easier," says Nisha. "That's exactly what modern architecture should enable."

The company's innovation was also recognised internationally in 2026 when One NZ received a TM Forum Catalyst Award for its contribution to The Butler Did It: Turning Telco Infrastructure into AI Services, recognising how modern digital platforms can transform telecommunications networks into AI-enabled service platforms.

Optimizing for data applications

For One NZ, the focus has shifted from launching satellite services to building the ecosystem that will enable them to deliver even greater customer and business value.

Having established satellite messaging and data services, One NZ is now focused on expanding the ecosystem of applications and partners that can take advantage of low-bandwidth connectivity.

Nisha points to One NZ's work with Halter as an example of how satellite IOT connectivity is already creating value beyond consumer services.

Nisha points to Halter's recent launch of the world's first virtual fencing solution via One NZ satellite as an example of how the ecosystem is evolving beyond consumer connectivity.

"Seeing innovative New Zealand companies like Halter use satellite connectivity to solve real-world challenges demonstrates the broader opportunity ahead," says Nisha. "It's about much more than extending coverage—it's about enabling entirely new applications and business models for organisations operating beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks."

"Success wasn't simply about connecting to satellites," says Nisha. "It required collaboration across network providers, device manufacturers and application developers to make sure the customer experience was intuitive."

“Technology will continue to evolve," says Nisha. "Whether it's satellite, AI or future connectivity services, having the right digital platform means we can move quickly without rebuilding our foundations every time."

For Nisha, that's the biggest lesson from One NZ's journey.

"The transformation wasn't about delivering a single product," says Nisha. "It was about creating a digital foundation that allows us to keep innovating. Satellite was the first proof point. It certainly won't be the last."