As we move more and more into the future, SpaceX’s Starlink technology isn’t just about supplying internet to remote locations or providing signal for mobile phones in areas where there is no signal. It is now being used in New Zealand by applying it to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This has started with equipment used for monitoring beehives.
As a result of a partnership between SpaceX and One New Zealand (One NZ), a well known mobile service provider (Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service is now being used to remotely manage and monitor IoT devices. This offers reliable connectivity far from conventional cell tower coverage.
A Global First for Satellite IoT
One NZ became the first mobile service provider to implement cellular Starlink to the public and this happened back in December.
This happened even before T-Mobile launched its own version of the service in the U.S. Currently, to take a step further One NZ is growing its services by implementing Starlink-powered communication for IoT devices. This will allow companies to effectively monitor infrastructure in remote areas.
This can be seen in beekeeping. By maintaining partnership with a local IT firm called APIS Solutions, One NZ helped develop something called the world’s first Starlink DTC IoT network. This system was designed to track beehives in real time, even in areas with no signal.
How It Works
APIS Solutions made a promotional video and showed how the device works with Starlink satellites. Once it is connected, the equipment can gather and transmit environmental data from beehives. This then provides valuable updates for beekeepers managing colonies in remote parts of New Zealand.
This solution mitigates the need for old fashioned cell towers or internet infrastructure. The satellite system allows for real-time monitoring, and this is significant in places where environmental conditions make a big difference.
Expanding Spectrum Use to Boost Connectivity
One NZ has also asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the use of additional radio spectrum to improve the system’s capacity. On Tuesday, a formal communication was sent and One NZ gave their explanation stating that it would be an advantage to increase resources to improve operations, especially for data-heavy and IoT-based applications.
In essence, One NZ has utilized frequencies in the 1780–1785MHz and 1875–1880MHz bands for Starlink DTC services. Now, they’re requesting permission to also use the 2500–2515MHz and 2620–2635MHz bands. The additional capacity would help handle more simultaneous connections and enable more robust support for IoT and mobile data.
T-Mobile’s Plans and the Bigger Picture
In the interim, even though it is still under discussion, T-Mobile in the U.S. is also making strides to implement Starlink-powered services for IoT. A company spokesperson confirmed to PCMag that IoT integration is “on the roadmap” for their T-Satellite service.
Within last week, T-Mobile expanded its Starlink cellular service to support multimedia messaging. By October, they plan to implement limited support for third-party applications for smartphones.
The idea is clear and is to enable global coverage using the same satellite constellation that powers Starlink broadband.
A Connected Future, Even for Bees
Even though the New Zealand pilot may not be the best one, as beehives aren’t the most important thing that people would associate with technology. However, the effects of this are seen far and wide, the advantages of this ranges from logistics to environmental monitoring and the amazing ability to maintain a data source in remote locations. This could potentially transform industries.
As this project continues to evolve and improve, and as other carriers jump on the wagon, this project is just beginning. But for now, bees are more connected than ever before!