One NZ says it will open its satellite-to-mobile texting service to all customers if Cyclone Vaianu hits its ground-based mobile network.

The service – usually a $20 add-on if not covered by your plan – lets most cellphones send or receive a text via a Starlink satellite, rather than a cell tower, as long as there is line-of-sight to the sky.

The telco also advises customers to fully charge their phones before Vaianu hits.

A Spark spokeswoman says, “If there are power cuts or damage to network equipment, you may see disruption in some areas.

“We’ve also strategically positioned portable Starlink back-up options and cows [cell towers on wheels] to help restore coverage where it’s most needed.

“For some customers, Spark Satellite [satellite-to-mobile, powered by Starlink] can help when you’re outside normal coverage, so you can send texts and use a few satellite-ready apps with a clear view of the sky.“

Spark has generators ready to be deployed throughout the North Island, as well as additional fuel in key locations to provide resiliency if cell towers lose power, she said.

A 2degrees spokesman said, “We’ll be working hard to ensure Kiwis stay connected. Generators are prepped, we have Starlink backhaul mitigation plans, and teams standing by.”

He recommended that people charge portable power banks as well as their phones.

Vaianu is expected to hit New Zealand early on Sunday, with Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay among the areas that could be hardest hit.

• When Cyclone Vaianu will hit your region: Following the path of storm down North Island
• Cyclone warning: Hastings mayor tells coastal residents to consider evacuating

Some residents already have their own satellite comms lined up, among other measures.

Chris Verburg, also from the Waimārama area, told Hawke’s Bay Today that Cyclone Gabrielle was a “traumatic” event and had prompted him to invest in an electric vehicle to provide back-up power.

“We use our electric vehicle to power the essentials, like water pump, fridges, freezers and the internet because we’re on Starlink, so we can stay in communication,” he said.

“We realised we needed some back-up.”

Since Gabrielle hit in February 2023, Starlink’s dish-based broadband service has grown from a handful of New Zealand customers to more than 57,000, according to Commerce Commission data.

A Starlink terminal’s hardware doesn’t need fibre or cellular connections, but does need electricity.

The major telcos have also beefed up their disaster resilience since Gabrielle, which caused extended outages on the East Coast after washed-away bridges destroyed fibre cable and other infrastructure.

Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.