As preparations for Vodafone New Zealand’s 5G launch progresses, the company’s Network team is pleased to confirm testing is now underway at its first South Island 5G-enabled site.

Located at Addington Racecourse in Christchurch, the existing mobile cell site has been upgraded with specialist Nokia technology, including 5G-enabled antennas, laying the foundation for faster speeds and lower latency for Kiwi customers when the commercial network is switched on in December.

Sharina Nisha, Head of Platforms at Vodafone New Zealand, says: “Our network build has been progressing well and we’re pleased to announce that testing for our first South Island 5G site is underway.

“We’ll be upgrading a number of existing cell sites in Christchurch over the coming months, which will include both 5G and 4.5G technology installations.

“Our team of engineers will be undertaking extensive testing to ensure we’re providing optimum connectivity for customers when the 5G network is first switched on in December. As part of the network testing, we are checking connectivity and responsiveness – and we’re confident Kiwis will be impressed by the faster speeds and lower latency that 5G offers.”

By December, 100 existing cell sites around New Zealand will be upgraded to include 5G technology and an additional 400 cell sites will be upgraded to be 4.5G-enabled sites, which will add significant additional capability into the network overall.

The site upgrades that are part of the pre-launch phase include inner-city mobile towers in popular and high-traffic locations such as business districts, entertainment hubs, shopping malls and airports.

Commenting on the overall network rollout, Technology Director, Tony Baird explains 5G has the potential to turbocharge New Zealand businesses. “5G will power the next evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and will enable hyper-connectivity between machines, smart devices and people.

“The greater control offered to devices powered by the faster transition speeds and lower latency that 5G offers, complemented by advances in battery life, will mean that Kiwi businesses can use 5G as a tool to develop the next raft of technology innovations.

“We’re excited to bring the future to New Zealand, and help unlock innovations that will enable all New Zealanders to live better, safer, healthier and more connected lives.”

Visit https://www.vodafone.co.nz/5G/ to learn more.