Significant investment in the Waikato region’s mobile infrastructure is delivering improved mobile connectivity for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Over the past 12 months, mobile tower infrastructure company Fortysouth has constructed six new mobile sites across the region, with a further six sites planned. Two of the new sites supports both One NZ and Spark networks reducing the need for multiple towers, while all 12 sites serve the One NZ network.
The new mobile sites address coverage gaps along key transport corridors, including State Highways 1 and 29, improving reliability and network performance.
The new mobile site on the Waikato Expressway is part of a broader programme of five new mobile sites between Te Kauwhata and Hautapu. Together, these sites enhance coverage and increase mobile network capacity along the state highway network, supporting safer and more connected journeys with the mobile operators installing 4G and 5G technology.
The new cell site near State Highway 29 and Hobbiton marks Fortysouth’s 1,700th site. Located on a strategic freight route linking Waikato, Auckland, and the Bay of Plenty, and connecting to the Port of Tauranga, the site will strengthen connectivity for both commercial transport and regional growth.
The site will also deliver improved mobile coverage for approximately 600,000 local and international visitors to Hobbiton, one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, enhancing visitor experience and enabling seamless connectivity.
Fortysouth Chief Executive Nick Clarke says “delivering mobile infrastructure requires strong collaboration, and we’re proud to be working alongside our partners to enable resilient, future-focused networks for New Zealanders wherever they are.
“By working closely with mobile network operators, government, and local stakeholders, we’re enabling investment that ensures communities, businesses, and critical transport corridors remain connected now and into the future.”
One NZ Chief Technology Officer Kieran Byrne says “New Zealanders continue to use more mobile data each year, and shared infrastructure like these sites enable us to deliver a resilient, future-ready network to our customers in a more cost-effective way.
Strengthening coverage and capacity across Waikato ensures we can support long-term regional growth, innovation, and the increasing connectivity needs to drive better productivity and safety outcomes for New Zealanders.”
Merv Taylor, CEO of Broadtech - our construction partner and part of the Tū Ātea group, highlighted the immediate impact of the Waikato initiative: "Targeted infrastructure investment brings direct benefits to local communities and regional economic growth.
Today, digital connectivity is a necessity for work, travel, business, and safety. These new mobile sites help close coverage gaps along key Waikato corridors, providing more resilient connectivity for locals and visitors alike. We are proud to deliver infrastructure that supports the region's long-term future."
- ENDS -
Note:
The six sites built in the past 12 months are in Te Kauwhata East, Waikato Expressway North, Taupiri East, Horesham Downs, Te Awamutu West, and SH29 near Hobbiton.
The six new sites to be completed in the next 12 months will be in Hillcrest, Fitzroy, Rototuna. Ruakura, Cambridge West, and Karapiro South.
Media contacts:
Fortysouth - Lisa Mulitalo 021 490 309
One NZ - Nicky Preston 021 445 295
Tū Ātea Network Services - Jessica Paul 022 650 9262
