What is 5G and Do You Need It?
Everything you need to know about 5G technology and coverage in New Zealand
5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and better connectivity. But what does this mean for you as a New Zealand mobile user, and is it worth upgrading for?
What is 5G Technology?
5G stands for "fifth generation" and represents the latest evolution in mobile network technology. It's designed to be significantly faster and more responsive than the current 4G LTE networks.
Speed
Up to 10Gbps
Theoretical maximum speed (real-world speeds vary)
Latency
1-10ms
Near-instantaneous response times
Capacity
1 million devices
Per square kilometer
5G vs 4G: The Real Differences
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 20-100 Mbps | 100-1000+ Mbps | Download movies in seconds, not minutes |
| Upload Speed | 5-50 Mbps | 50-500+ Mbps | Instant photo/video uploads to social media |
| Latency | 30-50ms | 1-10ms | Better gaming, video calls, real-time apps |
| Battery Life | Good | Variable | Can drain faster on early 5G phones |
5G Coverage in New Zealand
Spark 5G
- Coverage: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga
- Technology: Sub-6GHz and mmWave
- Expansion: Rolling out to smaller cities
- Plans: Included in most postpaid plans
2degrees 5G
- Coverage: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- Technology: Sub-6GHz
- Expansion: Gradual rollout to other centers
- Plans: Available on selected plans
One NZ 5G
- Coverage: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- Technology: Sub-6GHz
- Expansion: Focus on urban areas first
- Plans: Premium plans include 5G
Do You Actually Need 5G?
✅ You Probably Need 5G If:
- You live/work in a major city with 5G coverage
- You frequently download large files on mobile
- You stream 4K video on your phone regularly
- You use your phone as a mobile hotspot often
- You're a mobile gamer who needs low latency
- You work with cloud-based apps that need fast uploads
- You're planning to keep your phone for 3+ years
❌ You Probably Don't Need 5G If:
- You live in a rural area without 5G coverage
- You mainly use WiFi at home and work
- Your current 4G speeds meet your needs
- You're on a tight budget
- You mainly use your phone for calls, texts, and basic apps
- You're planning to upgrade your phone within 1-2 years
- Battery life is your top priority
5G Phone Requirements
What You Need
- 5G-Compatible Phone: Must specifically support 5G bands used in NZ
- 5G Plan: Your mobile plan must include 5G access
- 5G Coverage: You need to be in an area with 5G towers
- Updated Software: Latest phone software for optimal performance
Popular 5G Phones in NZ
- iPhone 15 series (all models)
- iPhone 14 series (all models)
- Samsung Galaxy S23 series
- Google Pixel 8 series
- Samsung Galaxy A54 (budget 5G option)
Real-World 5G Performance in NZ
Typical 5G Speeds
- Download: 100-500 Mbps (peak areas)
- Upload: 20-100 Mbps
- Latency: 10-30ms
- Note: Speeds vary significantly by location and network load
What This Means
- Netflix 4K movie: Downloads in 2-5 minutes
- Spotify playlist (100 songs): Downloads in 10-20 seconds
- Video call quality: Crisp HD with minimal lag
- Gaming: Reduced lag for online mobile games
5G Myths vs Reality
❌ Myth: 5G is available everywhere
Reality: 5G coverage is still limited to major cities and specific areas within those cities.
❌ Myth: 5G always means faster speeds
Reality: In many areas, 5G speeds may be similar to good 4G due to network congestion and infrastructure.
❌ Myth: 5G drains battery much faster
Reality: Modern 5G phones have improved efficiency, though battery usage can be higher in poor coverage areas.
❌ Myth: You need to pay extra for 5G
Reality: Most NZ providers include 5G access in their standard plans, though some budget plans may exclude it.
Should You Upgrade Now?
Upgrade Now If:
- Your current phone is 3+ years old
- You live in a well-covered 5G area
- You have specific use cases that benefit from 5G
- You're due for an upgrade anyway
- You want to future-proof for the next few years
Wait If:
- Your current 4G phone meets your needs
- 5G coverage isn't available in your area
- You're happy with current speeds
- You want to wait for prices to come down
- You prefer to wait for more mature 5G technology
Need Help Choosing a 5G Phone?
Our experts can help you find the right 5G phone and plan for your needs and location.