The NZ Buyer's Guide to Satellite Devices

In New Zealand, reliable communication isn't just a convenience—it's the absolute lifeline for your business's safety, productivity, and success. For any operation working beyond the reach of the cellular network, satellite technology from providers like Starlink, Iridium, and Inmarsat provides that crucial link. It ensures your team stays connected and your operations keep running smoothly, no matter how remote the location.

Keeping Your Team Connected When the Cellular Network Fails

For businesses operating on remote farms, deep in forestry blocks, or along our vast and rugged coastlines, what happens when the cellular signal inevitably drops?

This isn't a theoretical problem; it’s a daily operational risk. This gap in connectivity impacts everything from lone worker safety and compliance to the transfer of critical operational data.

This guide tackles the essential questions that Kiwi businesses face every day:

• How do you guarantee contact with your team when they are working in a known black spot?
• How can you maintain a steady flow of data for vital machinery, reports, or logistics when you're completely off the grid?

We’ll explore how modern satellite technology, particularly solutions like Starlink for high-speed data and Iridium for voice and safety, has become an indispensable asset. These systems have moved far beyond being niche tools and are now a powerful, practical answer to New Zealand's unique communication challenges.

Reliable communication is a cornerstone of effective Health and Safety management. When your team is operating in remote or hazardous environments, a satellite device isn't just for convenience—it's a critical piece of safety equipment.

This NZ Buyer's Guide is designed to cut through the technical jargon and give you clear, actionable advice. We'll examine the hardware, compare the services, and show you how to choose the right solution for your specific industry needs.

If you're new to this whole world, our overview of satellite phones in New Zealand is an excellent starting point. From ensuring the well-being of a lone worker in forestry to enabling data-driven agriculture, the right satellite device keeps your business connected and competitive.

Understanding the Pain Points for NZ Industries

Across New Zealand, dozens of industries face the same fundamental challenge: the cellular network simply doesn't reach everywhere they need to work. This creates significant operational headaches and, more importantly, serious safety risks.

• Agriculture & Forestry: Lone workers operating heavy machinery miles from the nearest town.
• Construction & Transport: Project sites in new subdivisions with no infrastructure and logistics fleets moving through communication black spots.
• Maritime & Fishing: Vessels operating far offshore, needing reliable weather data and a lifeline back to shore.
• Emergency & Disaster Response: Co-ordinating rescue efforts when ground-based communications have been knocked out.
• Energy & Exploration: Teams conducting surveys and maintenance in the most remote corners of the country.

Losing signal isn’t just a minor hassle; it can cause serious productivity loss or, far worse, a communication breakdown during an emergency.

As you can see, losing your signal hits both your bottom line and your duty of care to your team.

For many New Zealand businesses, the smartest approach isn't choosing Starlink or Iridium—it's using both. By running your main operations on Starlink for data and equipping key people with an Iridium handset for backup, you build a resilient, future-proof communication strategy that covers all your bases.

Showcase of Key Satellite Devices

Navigating the world of satellite tech can feel overwhelming, but for most Kiwi businesses, it boils down to picking the right tool for the job. The big players you'll hear about most are Starlink, Iridium, and Inmarsat, and they are built for very different purposes.

It helps to think of it like choosing a vehicle. Starlink, with its huge fleet of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, is your high-speed ute. It’s designed to haul a massive payload—in this case, data. This makes it perfect for setting up a properly connected remote worksite, running cloud software, or making video calls from the backblocks.

On the other hand, networks like Iridium and Inmarsat are the rugged, go-anywhere quad bikes of the satellite world. They aren’t built for streaming movies, but they are absolutely unbeatable for critical voice calls and safety messaging. They simply work, anywhere and anytime, from the deepest fiord to the highest peak.

Data Speed vs. Ultimate Reliability

The main difference comes down to their core job. Starlink is a data-first network. Its purpose is to deliver fast, low-latency internet that feels like fibre. It’s the right choice when you need to:

• Run a remote site office with multiple computers.
• Shift large files like plans, video, or survey data.
• Use VoIP phone systems and hold clear video conferences.
• Provide decent internet for crew welfare on vessels or in remote camps.

Iridium, however, is a voice and safety-first network. Its strength is providing a completely dependable lifeline when every other form of communication is down. Devices like the tough Iridium 9575 Extreme or the compact Iridium GO! are engineered for:

• 100% global coverage with no gaps, even at the poles.
• Crystal-clear voice calls from portable, handheld devices.
• A dedicated SOS button for genuine emergencies.
• Essential text messaging and small data packets for critical updates.

For any business serious about its Health and Safety duties, especially with lone workers, the rock-solid reliability of an Iridium device is non-negotiable. You can learn more here about how Iridium delivers true global coverage for operations across New Zealand.

Starlink Hardware Breakdown

• Starlink Standard: The workhorse for fixed locations like farm offices, remote workshops, or construction site offices. It provides excellent speeds but is NOT designed or certified for use while in motion.
• Starlink High Performance: The step-up for demanding environments. It has better weather resistance (including a snow-melt feature), greater reliability from a wider field of view, and is ideal for critical operations where downtime isn't an option.
• Starlink Flat High Performance (Gen 2 & Gen 3): The only model officially approved for in-motion use on vehicles and vessels. Its low-profile design is perfect for marine operations and mobile command centres. It MUST be paired with a Mobile Priority service plan.

Iridium & Inmarsat Handsets

• Iridium 9555: A compact, rugged, and reliable satellite phone that provides a dependable lifeline for voice and basic data anywhere in the world.
• Iridium 9575 Extreme: The toughest handset Iridium makes, with military-grade durability (IP65 rating), GPS tracking, and a programmable one-touch SOS button. The ultimate tool for lone worker safety.
• Iridium GO!: A portable satellite hotspot that turns your smartphone into a global communications device, allowing for voice calls, SMS, and light data use anywhere on the planet.
• Inmarsat IsatPhone 2: A robust and reliable handset known for excellent voice quality and long battery life. It’s a strong contender for anyone needing dependable voice communication in remote areas.

Comparison: Starlink vs. Iridium vs. Inmarsat

To make the choice clearer, here's a simple breakdown of how the main satellite networks stack up for business use in New Zealand.

This table highlights the core strengths of each platform. Starlink is the clear winner for internet speed, while Iridium is unmatched for true global voice and safety coverage from a handheld device.

High-Value Insights: Common Mistakes NZ Businesses Make

With over 20 years in the field, we’ve seen where Kiwi businesses go wrong when it comes to satellite communications. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Choosing the Wrong Tool for the Job: Buying Starlink for critical lone worker safety or an Iridium phone for running a data-heavy remote office. They are different tools for different tasks.
2. Underestimating Power Needs: A Starlink dish is a power-hungry device. Failing to budget for its constant energy draw will quickly drain batteries, especially on a solar-powered site. Learn how to calculate energy consumption for your setup.
3. Ignoring Professional Installation: A DIY mount on a vibrating truck or a vessel exposed to salt spray is a recipe for failure. Professional installation ensures secure mounting, optimal placement for signal, and safe cabling.
4. Forgetting the Backup: Relying on a single system is a risk. The smartest strategies use a hybrid approach: Starlink for primary data and an Iridium or Inmarsat device for a guaranteed emergency lifeline.

NZ Compliance and Safety Considerations

When deploying satellite devices, New Zealand businesses must consider their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

• Lone Worker Safety: Employers have a duty of care to ensure lone workers can call for help in an emergency. A satellite device like an Iridium 9575 Extreme with a dedicated SOS button and GPS tracking is a critical tool for meeting this obligation.
• Durability and IP Ratings: Equipment used in harsh NZ environments must be up to the task. Look for high IP ratings (e.g., IP67) which indicate resistance to dust and water.
• Coverage Planning: Don't assume coverage is perfect. Starlink requires a clear view of the sky, free from obstructions like trees or buildings. A professional site survey is essential.
• RSM Licensing: While satellite phones do not require individual user licences in NZ, understanding Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) rules is important for any integrated communication system.

Recommended Communications Solutions

Beyond satellite devices, a truly resilient communication strategy often involves a mix of technologies:

• Satellite Devices: Starlink for data, Iridium or Inmarsat for voice and safety.
• UHF/VHF Radios: Brands like Hytera, Tait, Motorola, and Icom provide excellent on-site team communication.
• PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular/Wi-Fi): Devices like the Motorola TLK110 can leverage a Starlink connection to provide nationwide radio-style communication.
• GPS Tracking & Lone Worker Solutions: Dedicated devices that provide real-time location data and man-down alerts for ultimate safety.

Why Choose Mobile Systems Limited?

Getting the right hardware is just the start. The real value lies in the installation, setup, and ongoing support from a local expert who understands New Zealand conditions.

Mobile Systems Limited is:

• 100% NZ Owned and Operated: Based in Mount Maunganui, we've served Kiwi businesses for nearly two decades.
• Hands-On Experts: We have a mobile on-site support fleet and provide expert programming, installation, and servicing. We know what works in the real world, from the corrosive salt air of our coastlines to the rugged vibration of a forestry road.
• A Complete Partner: We offer end-to-end solutions, from custom coverage planning and licensing support to long-term reliability and aftercare. We’re not just a supplier; we are your long-term communications partner.

We build trust by delivering practical, reliable solutions backed by expert service, ensuring your team stays safe, connected, and productive.

FAQ Section

Can I use Starlink on my boat or vehicle while it’s moving?

Yes, but only with the Starlink Flat High Performance dish and a Mobile Priority data plan. Using any other model in motion is not supported and will result in poor performance.

What happens if I need help in an area with no Starlink coverage?

This is why a backup is critical. Starlink is for data, not a dedicated emergency device. For guaranteed safety, you need a separate Iridium or Inmarsat satellite phone or satellite communicator with a dedicated SOS function.

Do I need a professional to install my satellite dish?

For any commercial, vehicle, or marine application, a professional installation is essential. It ensures secure mounting, optimal placement for signal, and safe integration with your power systems.

How much power does a Starlink dish actually use?

The Standard dish uses 50-75 watts, while the High Performance models draw 110-150 watts. This must be factored into any off-grid or solar-powered system to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

The world of satellite comms can feel complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. The team at Mobile Systems Limited is ready to give you clear, practical advice that makes sense for your New Zealand business.

Speak to a communications specialist today and let's get you the right solution to keep your team safe and connected.