Being recognised as New Zealand's best mobile network for the fifth consecutive year by independent testing company, umlaut, reflects years of ongoing investment by One NZ to expand cell-tower coverage, increase capacity and bring 4G and 5G to more New Zealanders. That investment continues, with a further 24 network builds and upgrades completed between April and June 2026.
During the quarter, our Network teams completed 18 new site builds and upgraded six existing sites, to strengthen New Zealand's best mobile network in communities across both the North and South Islands. Work was completed in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, while continuing to strengthen connectivity in rural communities through the Rural Connectivity Group.
These upgrades help ensure our customers can stay connected where it matters most, while supporting growing demand for faster, more reliable mobile services for everyday use. They also help support New Zealand’s tourism, through improving connectivity in popular destinations like Hobbiton to more remote parts of Aotearoa, helping people stay connected where they live, work and explore.
Our commitment to keeping New Zealanders connected extends beyond traditional mobile coverage
One NZ was the first in the world to launch a nationwide commercial satellite text service and later followed with data and voice calling via select apps, extending coverage across remote parts of Aotearoa and up to 85 nautical miles offshore. With an eligible phone and plan, and a clear view of the sky, One NZ Satellite* is helping thousands of New Zealanders stay safer and better connected in the moments that matter. This year's Canstar Innovation Excellence Award further recognises that ongoing commitment to innovation.
As NZ’s telco, One NZ will continue investing in its mobile network throughout the year, to deliver the reliable, resilient connectivity kiwi expect - today and into the future.
* One NZ Satellite: TXT/MMS in minutes and use data on select apps. Requires eligible phone/device and plan/IoT plan. Requires line of sight to the sky. Limited app features. Paid Add-On may apply. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control apply. see: https://one.nz/satellite/