As part of our regional investment program, and despite needing to adjust to heightened Covid health and safety requirements, we finalised 20 cellsite improvements in September. This included seven new mobile sites, three Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) new sites, and 10 upgrades of existing Vodafone sites. Additionally, for Internet of Things (IoT) customers, 263 Rural Connectivity Group cell sites were upgraded to Vodafone CAT-M1 IoT technology.
The majority were split across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Waiariki (the Bay of Plenty) with essential upgrades needed as data use continues to increase - particularly with more Aucklanders working and learning from home in lockdown.
Thaigan Govender, Head of Mobile Access Networks, said that while shifting alert levels made work more difficult in some cases, the team was focused on achieving results for Vodafone customers.
“In times of uncertainty, keeping connected digitally is essential for our customers, and our team knows how important it is continually improve mobile phone coverage and wireless broadband connectivity. With heightened alert levels, we’re putting health and safety requirements at the centre of our program. A special thank you to everyone involved.”
The seven new builds are in:
- Te Puke South, Bay of Plenty
- Kawerau Town, Bay of Plenty
- Whakatane North West, Bay of Plenty
- Ohope Beach Central, Bay of Plenty
- Opotiki Town, Bay of Plenty
- Massey University, Manawatu-Wanganui
- Kuriwao Hill, Southland
The 10 upgraded sites are in:
- Otumoetai Road, Bay of Plenty
- Piha, Auckland
- Sylvia Park, Auckland
- Panmure Industrial, Auckland
- Pakuranga Bridge, Auckland
- Rangitata, Canterbury
- St John's Hill, Manawatu-Wanganui
- Bulls Town, Manawatu-Wanganui
- Grey Street, Waikato
- Paraparaumu, Wellington
The three RCG sites are in:
- Doves Bay, Northland
- Haast, West Coast
- Inchbonnie, West Coast
