SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell Starlink texting service can now operate throughout New Zealand, thanks to the telecommunications company One NZ. The New Zealand-based provider says this is the first time that a nationwide satellite text messaging service has been powered by Starlink. T-Mobile has been making a lot of noise about getting this going, but it looks like One NZ beat it to the punch.

What’s the benefit here for New Zealand residents? It’s a country with many rural areas without access to mobile towers, resulting in weak or no signals. This should even the playing field for people who don’t live near big cities.

Now onto the caveats, and there are a couple of big ones. Starlink texting is incredibly slow when compared to traditional methods. One NZ says that most messages should be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, but admits that timeframe could increase to “10 minutes or longer.” It is for this reason that the company continues to urge folks to carry a personal locator beacon when traveling to a remote area.

The service is also only supported by four smartphone models, which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OPPO Find X8 Pro. This list of eligible devices is expected to grow next year. The company also intends to eventually expand the service to include voice calling and data.

The satellite service is free for existing One NZ customers on paid-monthly plans, but we don’t know the pricing scheme for new customers or for those signed up for other types of contracts. Starlink has partnered with other telecommunications companies to bring comprehensive coverage to Japan, Peru, Switzerland and Chile. As previously mentioned, it’s also working with T-Mobile to do something similar in the US.

T-Mobile and Starlink are marching forward with their plan to offer cell service via the latter's satellites. The companies received FCC approval for the project last month, and now the provider is opening up registrations for anyone who wants to beta test the creatively dubbed T-Mobile Starlink direct-to-cell satellite service.

The first beta test is slated for 2025. It will focus on text messaging at the outset. Voice and data connectivity is slated to become available at a later date. Any T-Mobile postpaid voice customers with a compatible device can sign up for the free beta. There are limited spots available, however, and the provider says it's prioritizing first responder agencies and individuals for the program.

T-Mobile Starlink was previously granted emergency approval for a temporary activation to bolster communications during hurricanes Helene and Milton. "Even without the full constellation in place, customers with capable devices were able to receive critical emergency alerts and send and receive messages when satellites were overhead," T-Mobile said. "The system proved helpful for many that lost mobile and/or broadband access and provided critical data that will help further refine service."

With the help of Starlink, T-Mobile is planning to provide coverage to the 500,000 square miles of US land that's not covered by terrestrial cell towers. The direct-to-cell satellite constellation is designed to integrate into T-Mobile's existing network with the idea that it'll work like regular cell service. Eventually, the provider says, T-Mobile Starlink will be "available in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky."

The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

• Esther Perel says couples should talk about money, know their finances, and see value beyond income.
• The psychotherapist said wealth is a fundamental aspect of every relationship.
• Earning an income is just one of many ways to contribute to a relationship, Perel says.

Couples should talk openly about money, regularly review their finances, and recognize that earning an income is just one of many ways to contribute to a relationship, Esther Perel says.

The famed psychotherapist is known for speaking nine languages, hosting the "Where Should We Begin" podcast, and writing "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence."

She spoke to Emily Luk, the cofounder and CEO of Plenty, a financial management platform for couples, in an episode of the "Love & other assets" podcast released Thursday.

Perel laid out how money shapes everything from people's values and identities to the power dynamics in their relationships. It can be "one of the biggest stressors" in any relationship, she said, but couples who manage financial issues well can escape that pain.

Here are the three big takeaways from her conversation.

1. Talk things over

Couples should openly discuss money matters from the outset, Perel said.

"Money is an inherent piece of what the making of a relationship will involve," she said. "It's important, but it doesn't have to be precious, hidden, taboo, queasy. Like any other topic, if you start from the beginning, then it's integrated in the system."

Perel underscored that relationships are both romantic and practical, encompassing love and trust as well as partnership and economic support. Money is a core part of that and financial decisions are inevitable, she said.

"This is about the present, the past, the future, the legacy, what people left behind, what they never left behind, what they had, what they lost," she said. "It's not just how much do you make and what do you want to do with it. "

Money can shape the power dynamic in a couple, but Perel said that's "not a dirty word for me" as all relationships have one. Couples with a healthy attitude toward money can "bring it up and talk about it" without becoming defensive and throwing blame around, she said.

Just as you might ask a prospective partner if they want kids, you should ask them about their feelings around money too, the relationship guru said.

She recommended asking them how important it is to them to earn money, what the money culture was in their family, how much money they ultimately want to make, and how they've navigated any major financial shifts in their lives.

2. Check in regularly

Even when one partner trusts the other to manage their money, that partner should still occasionally check in on their joint finances, Perel said.

Once a year, they should "sit down and have a sense of what's what," she said. "I've met too many people who, when things became problematic, didn't have a clue and it didn't bode well for them. Don't put yourself in that kind of vulnerable position."

Many couples divide roles, but "it's good to not be completely ignorant on some things that have such a direct effect on you," she added.

The psychotherapist and author gave another reason for an annual check-in: a couple's financial situation changes over time, whether a costly health issue crops up, inheritance is paid out, or shares in a company vest.

"Money is not a static thing, and the relationship needs to be flexible around that," Perel said, adding that "the conversation around money needs to evolve as the relationship evolves."

Just as a couple might plan home improvements and vacations, "once a year you should sit with your finances and say, 'Where are we at?" Perel said. "And not, 'what do we have?' but, 'how are we managing relationally? What would you like to change in the way we've been managing the money?' Why, just asking that question to your partner will go a long way."

3. Recognize value in all forms

Perel told Luk about the moment her thinking completely changed around what it means to provide and contribute to a relationship.

An artist told her they'd renovated their home by themselves, raising the property's value and the couple's quality of life by improving the room layout. It would have cost a year's salary to get the project completed externally, Perel said.

The episode made her appreciate the myriad ways that members of a couple can generate value in a relationship besides a paycheck, ranging from DIY to raising children.

"Money is not a thing around which people talk with subtlety," she said about opening client's eyes to non-monetary contributions. "So I had to find other ways to suddenly shift and say, 'Have you ever looked at it this way,' and do a whole reframe."

"So this idea that there's a single household provider — that whole language I began to dismantle so that we could really talk about the power dynamic and the money and what they can afford and who decides and who is really bringing in and providing is a totally different story than just income bracket."

• Susie Moore, a life coach, moved to NYC and landed a tech job by leveraging mutual connections.
• Networking to set yourself up for a future opportunity is especially effective during the holidays.
• She suggests setting intentions, creating ping lists, and attending events to expand your network.

When I was 25, I moved to New York City from Sydney without friends, career prospects, or a college degree. Despite being what some might call unprepared, I knew I would land a job because I excel at connecting with people and taking initiative.

Within two months, I started working for a tech company because I leveraged a mutual connection, an industry peer in Australia whose company had an NYC office. I asked for an introduction to her US team, and she gave me one. A single warm email connection was all it took to get me in the door.

Networking is simply building relationships by being proactive, and it doesn't have to be a cringe-worthy chore. It can be fun, graceful, and extremely rewarding, and the holiday season is the perfect time to do it. There's an undeniable "holiday glow" to people in December.

Now, as a life coach of over 10 years, I encourage my community to expand and nurture their networks no matter their career choices or future goals. If you want to step up your networking game as 2025 fast approaches, here's a checklist to seize the season before the year ends.

1. Set an intention

What do you want your networking efforts to accomplish? Are you seeking a new position in the new year? Do you want to attract new clients to your business? Do you want to kick off a side hustle? Or do you simply want to strengthen your network for the future?

A measurable goal is ideal, but networking is valuable even without a specific goal. A mentor of mine once told me she has a spreadsheet of 50 people she emails casually every quarter for no reason but to say hello and keep the relationship alive. So few people do this!

We let so many relationships go to waste because we make too little effort, so those who keep in touch win because we stand out and are top of mind when opportunities roll around — and they do. My connections have brought me investment opportunities, speaking engagements, and book deals.

2. Get into the holiday spirit

The season of goodwill is a great time to reach out and express gratitude. Most people are reflective and slow down a bit this time of year, so it's the ideal time to send a short gratitude note, text, or DM like this:

"Thanks for your help with X project this year — it meant a lot. Wishing you the best holiday break and start to 2025!"

"I'm lucky to have worked with you this year, and I hope the new job at X is going great! Hi to (spouse name)."

"I just found the coolest candle shop/whisky tasting/tennis memorabilia site (insert picture/link of the thing the person likes). Happy holidays to you!"

Sincere, short, sweet, personal messages go a long way in letting people know how they've encouraged, inspired, or helped you — or even that you're just thinking of them.

3. Create a custom ping list

Success can come down to volume and some experimentation. It's easier to start with people you know, but you can also include some people you'd like to know — for example, I might include 5-10 people I admire with mutual connections.

When I moved to NYC, I looked up connections of my friends on LinkedIn and used that as a way to introduce myself:

"Hi name! You and I are both friends with the lovely (friend's name).

I've just moved to NYC and this city is just beautiful in December. Perhaps we could have a latte if you have 20 minutes free next week? It would be great to share some industry information and connect. I'll gladly come to (part of the city where that person lives/works).

Happy holidays!"

Aim to reach at least 30 people before year-end based on your intention. These can be former coworkers, members of your running or book club, friends of friends, or anyone you'd like to know better.

Not everyone will respond to you, but the right people will. A few Decembers ago, I met up with a fellow entrepreneur who had recently moved to Florida. We've enjoyed more than one business collaboration since, and she's also become a client of mine.

4. Get out there

December is a social season. I've made many connections at apartment lobby parties, holiday celebrations, and New Year's Eve gatherings.

If you're more introverted, be selective about what you attend — just keep returning to your intention (a tech mixer might be worthwhile, for example, but drinks at your next-door neighbor's place may not). Generally, it's worth showing up if you feel on the fence about an invitation. A little face-time goes a long way in nurturing connections.

People are also less busy around the holidays than you think, particularly during the last two weeks of December when schedules slow down. This can be a great time to suggest meeting for coffee, a cocktail, or even a walk. This can also mean a lot to folks in an age of increasing isolation.

5. Underthink it — do it now

The reach-out part is fast. Attacking your ping list doesn't require blocking out hours on your calendar. You can act on it in small pockets throughout the day — waiting for an Uber, in line at CVS, when you have five minutes to spare before a meeting. Ditch the social media scroll and do something valuable with these idle minutes.

Doors open for those willing to knock. It's no secret that those who create and maintain sincere relationships experience more opportunities over time. Your network provides a safety net and a steady foundation for information-sharing, mutual support, and fun, so stay connected.

Susie Moore is a former sales director and startup advisor, a life coach and advice columnist, and the host of the Let It Be Easy podcast.

• My son is in his first semester of college, and we never talked about a communication schedule.
• I don't want to reach out to him often because I want to give him space, so I wait for him to call.
• As an empty nester, I wish we could talk more, but I'm glad he's becoming independent.

Dropping my son off at college this fall was tough. Despite my best efforts, it was the most inelegant of farewells. I kept my sunglasses on, tried not to crumple completely, and waved goodbye as he set off for meetings on campus.

Then, I promptly found the nearest bench for a proper sob before catching the train back to the airport. Like I said, inelegant.

In the weeks since, I've adjusted fairly well to my empty nest. I've started redecorating my son's bedroom and am generally getting used to not having him under our roof. It's a transition, to be sure.

While his dad and I had a lot of talks with him in the lead-up to drop-off, one thing we didn't discuss was communication. So, I've been plagued with one question in his absence: How much is too much when it comes to keeping tabs on your college kid? Here's what I've learned.

I'm trying not to spam him

I didn't hear from my son at all that first long weekend. There were zero calls, FaceTime chats, or even texts. I was tempted to reach out but realized my discomfort wasn't worth spamming him.

I wanted my son to have fun, get used to his new college campus, hang out with his roommates, and not worry about how I was doing back home.

When he finally called me several days later, I was overjoyed. I could tell by the tone of his voice he was thriving and thrilled to be in his new home. I felt great, but once I hung up, I was uneasy and unsure when I'd hear from him again.

I put the ball in his court, so he's reaching out first

Many of my friends set aside a specific day or two during the week for a family FaceTime or call with their college kids. They were far smarter than me.

Because we never really formalized a comms plan, I still find myself hesitating when it comes to contacting my son. Don't get me wrong: When he calls, I immediately answer. When he sends a text, it often becomes an extended conversation. But almost always, he's the one initiating.

He knows his dad and I are always here and available, but we want him to become independent. That means respecting his boundaries and putting the communication ball in his court.

It's one of the hardest things to get used to as our relationship evolves, but it's a necessary shift.

There are other ways to connect

While we no longer speak every day, I've kept in touch with my son in other ways. I'll send occasional care packages or order an Instacart delivery to his dorm if he's running short on snacks.

I had a blast attending his parent's weekend a few weeks ago, especially when he showed me around his new campus. His father and I also dropped him the occasional card or letter via good old snail mail.

The bottom line is that he knows I'm thinking of him, even if we don't connect daily.

I remind myself that it's not personal

When I start feeling sad or overly nostalgic, I immediately snap back, knowing my kid is studying, writing, and growing into the person he's meant to be. He's busy, as he should be in his first year away.

I also remind myself about my own relationship with my parents; I certainly don't check in with either of them every day. This doesn't mean I don't love them or vice versa. It means I've long been an actualized adult, no longer dependent on them.

That's what he's becoming, too. In his case, he's made it clear he doesn't need constant parental contact getting in the way. I understand that, and I know it's not personal or meant to be hurtful. It's all part of the normal transition process from child to adult, making me all the prouder of him.

Even if I wish he'd call me a bit more often.

SpaceX completed its first Starlink direct-to-cell satellite constellation this week. On Wednesday, the company launched 20 satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, 13 of which can communicate directly with cell phones without extra equipment.

The completed constellation follows the FCC’s approval of a deal between SpaceX and T-Mobile last week. The companies announced the partnership in 2022, touting plans for a future where phones can be connected to the world even in the middle of the ocean. SpaceX says the satellite constellation acts “like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.”

On Thursday, SpaceX posted on X that the direct-to-cell satellites will “immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation, eliminate dead zones and provide peace of mind when customers need it most.” The company sent and received its first text messages through T-Mobile’s network early this year.

The low-earth-orbit constellation has 6,799 operational satellites, and Space.com reports that about 330 can communicate directly with cell phones. On Thursday, Elon Musk said unmodified cell phones would enjoy a bandwidth of around 10Mbps per beam. He said future constellations will be capable of much greater throughput.

The companies will presumably go into more detail for consumers once Starlink Direct to Cell is available. It’s currently targeted for next year. However, the constellation isn’t locked into T-Mobile alone. Android Central reports that SpaceX senior director Ben Longmier said shortly after the deployment that the satellites are “open for business for any teleco in the world.”

• Holiday gatherings are ripe for conflicts over politics, relationships, social issues, and more.
• Preparation, a curious perspective, and personal boundaries help when navigating arguments.
• Four communication experts shared their tips for keeping the holiday festivities peaceful this year.

If this year you're headed into Thanksgiving dinner with a pit in your stomach, worrying that your Great Aunt Karen will say something that'll set the whole family on a course toward WWIII, worry no longer.

This year, you don't have to get caught in a political debate or battle of wits with your friends or extended family — if you don't want to. With tips from communications professionals who know precisely how to navigate tension-filled conversations and come out the other side peacefully this holiday season, if you prefer, you can keep things light.

Business Insider talked to four communications professionals specializing in relationships, conflict, and negotiation: a professor of debate, a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, a national speaker who helps people negotiate business deals and address conflict at work, as well as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. Here's what they say are the best ways to avoid clashing with your family at your end-of-year festivities.

Be prepared

"What we do when we bring our significant others or some of our friends to dinner, right before we go in, we say something like a disclaimer," Risha Grant, an international speaker and DEI consultant, told Business Insider. We warn them that our grandmother, uncle, or other extended family is "from a different generation, so they may say something offensive — just ignore them."

But instead of giving that disclaimer to your guests, Grant suggests giving it to your loved ones ahead of time. Instead of asking your guests to let things slide, try telling your problematic relative that this year, you'd rather keep things neutral.

By explicitly spelling out that the family is trying to avoid hot-button conversations this year, you set expectations for everyone and put yourself in the driver's seat, settling some of the anxiety that comes with thinking about what might happen.

"If you can have that conversation beforehand, and let your loved ones know that dinner is not the time to have that conversation, you can try to head it off," Grant said.

Set and keep firm boundaries

But when Uncle Brandon just has to make a comment, even after you've clearly said you don't want to engage, you don't have to let it derail the day, said Keisha Saunders-Waldron, a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor.

Not everything has to be an argument, especially at the dinner table. If your family is annoying you, but not saying anything that goes against your values, Saunders-Waldron says it's OK to let some things go.

"It could be worth hashing out when we're talking about things where your value systems and core beliefs start to kick in — but if we know there is no resolution, and it's not worth ending the relationship over, then we want to agree to disagree," Saunders-Waldron said.

It helps to set firm boundaries about what type of conversation you're willing to engage in ahead of time, then stick to them, Saunders-Waldron told Business Insider. And remember: Boundaries are rules you make about your own behavior, not about trying to control someone else's.

"Those boundaries can sound like saying: 'I'm not willing to continue to be badgered right now. So I have about two more minutes to talk to you before I'm walking away, and I'm giving you the respect of letting you know that I'm walking away.'"

Check your attitude

If you want to try engaging in a conversation you know could become tense, the easiest way to help make the conversation go smoothly is to start by managing your own perspective, Justin Hale, a speaker and training designer for Crucial Learning, a corporate training company, told Business Insider.

Often, family debates can devolve into reactionary arguments, where people's fight-or-flight instincts get triggered. Before entering the fray, remember that you're conversing with your loved ones — not fighting a tiger that has jumped out of the bushes.

And don't go into a discussion hoping to win the argument, said Vanderbilt Professor John Koch, senior lecturer and director of debate. If that's your approach, "you're going about it wrong."

"Seek understanding first," Koch said. "If winning and losing are your only options, you're missing the point."

Assume the person you're speaking to has good intent, Hale added. Remind yourself that your conversation partner may have insight into the topic that you hadn't considered before, even if you believe they're wrong in their opinion. Don't discount the idea that you can learn from the conversation — even if you're just learning more about a viewpoint you disagree with.

"Certainty is the robber of curiosity. The more certain you become, the less open you are to being curious," Hale said. "People are afraid of curiosity because they're worried that, by being curious, they are agreeing that the other person is right — but that's absolutely not true."

Lead with humor and humility

If things get tense despite your best efforts, it can be helpful to start by acknowledging that everyone is wrong sometimes. Being humble and leaning into humor can help diffuse conflict before it escalates.

"Everybody's president has made mistakes," Hale said. "Everybody's politicians have been wrong. And nobody wants to admit that."

Hale suggests starting potentially challenging conversations by going around the table, with everyone sharing something they've been wrong about. Not only can this be a hilarious bonding activity, but it also opens the door for everyone to acknowledge they could be wrong now, too.

"Having a civil dialogue doesn't need to be a lost art," Koch said. "You can have a heated discussion without name-calling and put-downs."

And if you do misstep and find yourself the one losing your temper, Saunders-Waldron said, it's never too early or too late to apologize. Take a quick walk around the block to shake off any excessive negativity, then try again.

"Tell them: 'I recognized that I could have been in a better space and I wasn't. And so I would like to just apologize and see how I could fix the blunder,'" Saunders-Waldron said.

Know when to cut your losses and head home

Of course, it's possible that — despite your best efforts — the conflict escalates anyway. If you feel the conversation at the holiday event cannot be held respectfully, it's also fine to refuse to engage. And doing so thoughtfully can help preserve your relationships while clarifying your values.

"I think grace is a big deal in this whole topic because you don't want to alienate from your family," Grant said. "I would still give everybody a hug on the way out — maybe not the person I'm pissed off at — but grandma, grandpa, I'd say 'I love all of you so much. It was great up until this time, but I refuse to put myself or my loved ones in this situation. Maybe we'll come back tomorrow and see you.'"

The key to respectfully disengaging is to check out before the conversation becomes explosive, she said. It can help to remember that the outcome of the conversation is important to you because you value the relationship with the person you're arguing with.

"You do it with love," Grant said. "You let people know why you're leaving, but you've set a hard boundary for what is OK and what is not OK. Because, at the end of the day, the only thing that we control is ourselves — I can't control you, but I can control where I spend my day."

The satellite-to-phone service T-Mobile and Starlink first announced back in 2022 has gotten a lot closer to deployment. As SpaceNews and Reuters report, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the companies conditional approval to provide T-Mobile subscribers coverage using Starlink satellites in locations that can't be reached by the carrier's network. Specifically, the FCC has given them permission to use up to 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites for the service, as long as they do not interfere with other networks. 

The commission has deferred on deciding whether to allow Starlink to increase its satellites' radio emission power in order to be able to provide real-time voice and video calls. From the very start, though, the companies intended to launch the service with messaging capabilities before expanding it until it can offer data and voice. When the companies introduced the project, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said they were envisioning a future wherein you're connected on your mobile phone as long as you have a view of the sky, even if you're in the middle of the ocean. By providing subscribers with supplemental coverage from space, they'll still be able to stay in touch with loved ones — or ask for help in case of emergencies — from far flung locations cell towers don't typically reach. 

"The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones," said FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel.

While the companies announced their teamup back in 2022, the commission only set a regulatory framework for supplemental coverage from space (SCS) services in March this year. Those rules are meant to ensure that satellite-to-phone services wouldn't affect the quality of 4G and 5G networks. AT&T previously raised concerns that T-Mobile's and Starlink's service, in its proposed state, could interfere with existing wireless services. The carrier also has plans for satellite services of its own in partnership with AST SpaceMobile and said it intends "to provide the demonstrations necessary to show that they will not cause interference to any authorized terrestrial system." 

T-Mobile and Starlink sent and received the first text messages using the technology back in January. In the months that followed, the FCC had given them permission to enable satellite texting in certain locations so that people could stay connected in hurricane-hit areas. 

WhatsApp added voice message transcripts on Thursday. Handy for when you’re in a loud environment (or if you prefer reading over listening), they’ll be rendered on-device, so they’ll remain encrypted and private.

To set them up, head to Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts and toggle the feature on. There, you can also pick your preferred language. Once set up, you can transcribe a message by long-pressing on it and tapping “transcribe.”

The feature will roll out globally over the coming weeks, so you may not see it right away. WhatsApp says message transcripts are launching in only “a few select languages,” but the company plans to add more in the coming months.

Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has apparently earmarked this week for new messaging features. On Wednesday, Messenger added the ability to leave audio or video messages if a call goes unanswered. Also new in Messenger are AI video call backgrounds, HD video calling, background noise suppression and voice isolation.

It has long been possible to listen to music from within Opera's browser. If you go down its sidebar, you'll see a player icon where you can choose from Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer and then log into any of them with your account details. But now Opera has teamed up with Spotify and has made the music streaming service the default option on the company's flagship browser with generative AI features, Opera One. 

After logging into your account and activating the player, you'll be able to detach it from the sidebar and move it around the screen to a place that wouldn't interrupt your workflow. The player will float inside the browser and will not disappear if you tab away. It also automatically fades out the audio that's currently playing when you join meetings and calls. Your songs will remain paused for the duration of the call or meeting and will resume as soon as it's over. 

Perhaps the best thing about the companies' teamup, if you live in a certain location at least, is that you can get Spotify Premium for free if you don't have a subscription yet. If you're in Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US or Vietnam, you can redeem two to three months of Spotify Premium at no cost from within the browser's sidebar.