MEDIA RELEASE - Today Vodafone announced Christchurch and Wellington are set to receive gigabit speeds at accessible prices as a result of a world-leading technology upgrade to Vodafone’s ultra-fast broadband network; in partnership with Huawei.

The $22million network investment will see Vodafone’s ultra-fast broadband network future-proofed to support the needs of Kiwis, with capacity to spare as they consume data using internet services like ultra-high definition streaming, cloud applications, and online gaming.

Vodafone’s network serving Christchurch, Wellington and Kapiti will be among the first in the world to deploy next-generation DOCSIS 3.1 architecture - capable of delivering gigabit speeds, higher network capacity, greater efficiencies and better quality control.

Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners says, “Upon completion of the upgrade, every premise within reach of the network will have access to 1Gbps plans at affordable prices.

“This upgrade allows us to radically enhance the capacity and capability of our network while paving the way for Wellington and Christchurch to become New Zealand’s first gigacities. As a result of this upgrade, our network customers will be able to access online streaming, gaming, working and browsing at ultra-fast speeds with no compromise to quality.”

Huawei New Zealand CEO Jason Wu says, “Huawei’s DOCSIS3.1 platform will set a new standard for network evolution to ultra-broadband across the globe. New Zealand will be the first country in the world to utilise this impressive new technology. It is an exciting development which will transform the performance of ultra-fast broadband networks.”

As Vodafone has full control over its ultra-fast broadband network installations, we are pleased to offer our customers a smooth and straight-forward process to upgrade.

Russell adds, “High-speed broadband is central to the country’s future and steps like this will ensure we continue to be one step ahead of New Zealand’s growing data needs. Our commitment to deliver Kiwis a network they can rely on is unwavering – across both fixed and mobile”.

Enhanced capacity and 1Gbps plans will become progressively available across Vodafone’s ultra-fast broadband network from mid-2016. Further information on customer plans and pricing will be available next year.

Vodafone’s ultra-fast broadband network footprint in Wellington covers all of the central CBD and surrounding suburbs. Kapiti residents also have access to this network. In Christchurch the network covers all of the central CBD and surrounding suburbs.