Network Updates NZ - 5G Expansion & Coverage News

5G Expansion

Spark Expands 5G Network to 15 New Towns

Spark announces major 5G network expansion reaching smaller towns across New Zealand, improving coverage for rural customers and bringing high-speed connectivity to previously underserved areas.

December 18, 2024 By Mike Chen

Spark has announced the expansion of its 5G network to 15 additional towns across New Zealand, marking the largest rural 5G rollout in the company's history. The expansion includes towns such as Rotorua, Palmerston North, Nelson, and Invercargill.

The new 5G sites will provide download speeds of up to 1Gbps in optimal conditions, significantly improving connectivity for businesses and residents in these areas. Spark CEO Jolie Hodson stated that this expansion is part of the company's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural New Zealand.

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Infrastructure

2degrees Completes Major Network Infrastructure Upgrade

2degrees has completed a $200 million network infrastructure upgrade, improving 4G coverage and preparing for expanded 5G deployment across New Zealand.

December 15, 2024 By Sarah Johnson

The upgrade includes the installation of new cell towers, modernization of existing infrastructure, and implementation of advanced network management systems. This improvement is expected to reduce dropped calls by 40% and increase data speeds by up to 30% in urban areas.

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5G Launch

One NZ Launches 5G in Hamilton and Tauranga

One NZ has officially launched 5G services in Hamilton and Tauranga, bringing the total number of 5G-enabled cities to five across New Zealand.

December 12, 2024 By Emma Williams

The launch covers key areas including Hamilton CBD, University of Waikato campus, Tauranga CBD, and Mount Maunganui. One NZ customers with compatible devices can now access 5G speeds of up to 2Gbps in these areas.

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Rural Coverage

Government Announces $50M Rural Connectivity Fund

The New Zealand government has announced a $50 million fund to improve mobile coverage in rural and remote areas, targeting regions with poor or no mobile connectivity.

December 10, 2024 By David Kim

The fund will support the construction of new cell towers and infrastructure improvements in areas where commercial deployment is not economically viable. Priority will be given to regions with significant tourism, agriculture, or emergency service needs.

Coverage Guides

Security

All Major Networks Implement Enhanced Security Measures

Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ have all implemented new security measures to protect customers from scam calls, SMS fraud, and network intrusions.

December 8, 2024 By Lisa Thompson

The new measures include AI-powered scam detection, enhanced caller ID verification, and improved SMS filtering. These updates are expected to reduce scam calls by up to 80% and provide better protection for vulnerable customers.

Security Guides

Performance

Q4 2024 Network Performance Report Released

Independent testing shows significant improvements in network performance across all major providers, with 5G speeds reaching new highs in urban areas.

December 5, 2024 By James Wilson

The report shows average 5G download speeds of 450Mbps in Auckland, 380Mbps in Wellington, and 420Mbps in Christchurch. 4G performance has also improved, with average speeds increasing by 25% compared to the same period last year.

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