With data consumption on our mobile network growing a staggering 24% in the last year alone, the One NZ radio access network team are hard at work upgrading and building new cell sites across New Zealand.

We’re delighted this has been recognised with One NZ being named ‘Best in Test’ for 3 years running by global leader in testing Umlaut. We’ll keep working to build a faster, greener and more intelligent network, and we’re excited for what is yet to come.

There are three key elements that we’re prioritising to keep up with customer demand and set Aotearoa up for digital success in the years to come.

1. Satisfying Kiwis need for speed

Whether it’s for gaming, videoconferencing or streaming Netflix, the need for speed and bandwidth is real. We recently acquired Dense Air’s radio spectrum to help ‘add an extra lane to the motorway’ and it’s going to make a massive difference for our customers.

In testing we’ve seen this spectrum enable 5G download speeds of 1.6Gbps – that’s faster than most fibre home broadband connections! We’re working with handset manufacturers to finalise testing now, and will then start to switch it on for customers ready for summer to help send those holiday photos in record time.

2. Can you hear me now? No excuses for dropped calls!

We already cover 99% of New Zealand’s population and we’re investing millions of dollars to strengthen your connection, building over 300 new sites and 600 upgraded sites over the past 24 months. We’ve recently made huge leaps forward in Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions, with lots more planned.

Of course, with a geography like New Zealand’s we’ve always got work to do – and if you do drop a call, make sure you report it using our One Pin tool, so we can factor it into our network planning.

There will always be areas outside of our reach, whether that’s a rural property, or in a remote spot like one of our national parks. For homes with spotty coverage, we are working on a new tech solution to boost your phone signal (more to come!), and we’ve long offered Wi-Fi calling.

3. Thinking that is out of this world

And in even smarter thinking, we’ll soon be launching coverage like never before, starting with messaging. This is a genuinely groundbreaking collaboration with SpaceX, using their satellites to connect directly to your phone.

We’re excited to be one of the very first telcos on earth to get this technology into our customers hands.

Let’s get connected!