One NZ customers can expect even better coverage quality around the country, following 21 mobile network upgrades in October, including nine brand-new sites and 12 major improvements to expand 5G.
These upgrades are part of One NZ’s ongoing mission to make sure Kiwis can stay connected wherever life takes them – at home, on holiday, at work, or out exploring. So far this year, One NZ has completed 227 new or upgraded mobile sites, with 173 now running on 5G.
“One NZ’s mobile network is built for real life,” says Thaigan Govender, One NZ General Manager, Mobile Access Network. “We don’t just focus on the big cities or the speed-test headlines — we’re making sure our customers get connectivity they can count on in more of the places they visit. As we head into summer, we know Kiwis just want their phone to work when they need it, and we’re focused on making that happen."
“Being named “Best in Test” by umlaut for four years shows reliability and consistency where it counts, as we work towards building the best possible mobile network for New Zealanders to rely on.”
October’s new and upgraded sites improve both coverage quality and capacity, for example helping customers get better reception indoors, fewer dropped calls, faster loading, and stronger performance in busy spots.
Furthermore, every mobile site has been upgraded to 4G, as One NZ prepares to farewell the old 3G network from the end of December 2025.
Listening to customers and investing where it matters
Govender says customer feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the upgrade programme. “Our customers help guide our investment by using One Pin to let us know where they experience issues such as slow speeds or dropped calls. When lots of people drop a pin in the same place, it becomes a priority area for us. We’re committed to listening and improving the network where it matters most.”
Alongside its ongoing mobile upgrade programme, One NZ offers Satellite TXT, which lets eligible customers send text messages — and now MMS like photos, videos and voice notes* — from anywhere in New Zealand with a clear view of the sky. Whether you’re out on the farm, up the river, or out on the water, staying in touch is now easier than ever.
Where the October upgrades are located
Auckland: Henderson Shops (new), Te Atatu Central, Meadowood, Upper Khyber Pass, Quay Street East, Lake Pupuke (new), Pukekohe North (new), Otara, Gulf Harbour Relocate (new).
Bay of Plenty: Te Puke
Canterbury: Papanui
Gisborne (RCG site): Lottin Point
Hawke's Bay (new): Haumoana
Northland (new): Kerikeri Southwest, Kerikeri Township
Otago: Queenstown Gorge Industrial, Arthurs Point (new)
Waikato: Pokeno, Te Kauwhata Straights
Wellington: Lambton Quay, Greytown
To learn more or check coverage in your area, visit https://one.nz/network/coverage/
* TXT/MMS in minutes on eligible phones and plans. Paid Add-On may apply. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control applies https://one.nz/satellite/