One NZ continued investing in its mobile network in January 2026, completing ten site builds and upgrades to strengthen coverage and performance for customers across Aotearoa.
The work in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Waikato and Wellington involved expanding 5G coverage and improving network capacity. This means customers can enjoy a smoother experience for streaming, video calls and everyday mobile use, particularly during busy times during the day.
This included working with the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) on three new mobile sites, with one new mobile site in Tasman and two on the West Coast, underscoring the importance of shared digital infrastructure in rural areas. This improves connectivity in remote areas and supports more reliable service for residents, businesses and visitors.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, One NZ recently launched satellite mobile data services*, adding another layer of connectivity for customers in remote or hard-to-reach locations. One NZ customers with an eligible phone and plan and line of sight to the sky, now have access to WhatsApp (including Meta AI), Google Maps, AllTrails, Plan My Walk Accuweather, and X.
To help identify where improvements are needed most, customers can use One Pin, to ‘drop a pin’ in areas where they experience dropped calls, slow speeds, or no connectivity. The more pins dropped in a location, the higher the priority for upgrades.
The upgrades are part of a broader modernisation programme. One NZ is shutting down 3G technology and moving to faster, more capable 4G and 5G services. More information about 3G shutdown dates available here: https://one.nz/3g-shutdown/.
To learn more or check coverage in your area, visit https://one.nz/network/coverage/
January 2026 completed upgrades or new sites:
Auckland: Kumeu East; Air New Zealand Hanger; Smales Farm.
Bay of Plenty: Waihi Beach
Marlborough: Tuamarina
Tasman: Maruia (RCG)
Waikato: Pukeroro
Wellington: Shelly Bay North
West Coast: Hannah’s Clearing; Bald Hill (RCG)
*One NZ Satellite Terms: TXT/MMS in minutes and use data on select apps. Limited app functionality. Terms, standard MMS charges, fair use and capacity control apply, see: https://one.nz/satellite/
