More New Zealanders can now connect to rural wireless broadband technology with 26 sites going live just in time for Christmas, as part of Vodafone’s involvement in the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG).
The 26 new cell sites are in remote parts of Aotearoa - spanning Fairburn in Northland to Waikaka in Gore - and all have gone live over the past month (since 18 November).
Sharina Nisha, Head of Platforms, Vodafone NZ explains: “We’re so pleased these rural cell sites are live in time for the busy Christmas period. We’ve been working hard alongside the Rural Connectivity Group to connect more of Aotearoa to fast and reliable internet access, with a few more sites expected to switch on next week.
“More broadly, we’re continually investing in new network technology across Aotearoa and have been adding additional capacity into hundreds of Vodafone cell sites around the country during 2020. We’re gearing up for another busy summer, and have cell sites on wheels (COWs) stationed at a number of events and summer hotspots so we can keep Vodafone customers connected.”
Rural broadband is delivered over a fast 4G mobile connection, which means the internet can be delivered wirelessly and removes the need for underground cabling to connect households. As this technology include 4G Calling via VoLTE, mobile users also benefit from crystal clear voice calls.
This means locals in the following areas now have access to better mobile and 4G broadband connectivity:
- Fairburn, Far North District
- Waima, Far North District
- Glinks Gully, Kaipara District
- Makarau East, Auckland Council
- Mangatangi, Waikato District
- Waerenga, Waikato District
- Whanarua Bay, Opotiki District
- Matawai, Gisborne District
- Puketutu, Waitomo District
- Pungarehu, South Taranaki District
- Pukeokahu, Rangitikei District
- Whakaki, Wairoa District
- Blackburn Rd, Central Hawkes Bay District
- Hiranui Rd, Central Hawkes Bay District
- Rongotea, Manawatu District
- Pongaroa, Tararua District
- Kereru, Hastings District
- Taringamotu Valley, Ruapehu District
- Pukeatua, Waipa District
- Kourarau Hill, Carterton District
- Rarangi, Marlborough District
- Wairau Valley, Marlborough District
- Wairau Valley West, Marlborough District
- Marsden, Grey District
- Teviotdale, Hurunui District
- Waikaka, Gore District
A 4G-enabled device is required to connect to an RCG site. More information, including which mobile phones this includes, is available here: https://www.vodafone.co.nz/our-networks/volte/
Farmside, powered by Vodafone, is New Zealand’s leading rural broadband provider, delivering fast and reliable internet and voice solutions nationwide. For more information about rural 4G broadband, please visit: www.farmside.co.nz
