September 19th, 2024

Government fast-tracks 5G services for regional towns

In a tailored deal with New Zealand’s three major network operators – Spark, 2Degrees and One New Zealand, the government aims to deliver faster 5G services to approximately 55 rural and regional towns.

This initiative builds on other government investments, such as the $60 million allocated through Budget 2022 for rural connectivity improvements, as well as the $47 million for rural capacity upgrades initiated in February 2022.
This initiative builds on other government investments, such as the $60 million allocated through Budget 2022 for rural connectivity improvements, as well as the $47 million for rural capacity upgrades initiated in February 2022.

The government has announced plans to expedite the deployment of 5G technology to regional towns across the country. The Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, Ginny Andersen, announced today that contracts are being signed with major telecommunications network operators.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in New Zealand can get access to good mobile wireless coverage – no matter where you are,” said Andersen.

In a tailored deal with New Zealand’s three major network operators – Spark, 2Degrees and One New Zealand, the government aims to deliver faster 5G services to approximately 55 rural and regional towns. The arrangement will also extend mobile wireless coverage to further rural black spot areas.

“By working together with our major mobile network operators many more Kiwis will gain access to 5G services quicker, which is expected to provide faster data transmission speeds and capacity compared to 4G," Andersen added.

As part of the agreement, the three key mobile network operators are required to expedite the 5G rollout to small towns across New Zealand and continue expanding mobile wireless coverage in rural areas.

“This deal is a huge step forward for rural New Zealand when it comes to connectivity. By working together with our telecommunications operators more Kiwis will have access to faster wireless mobile services,” Andersen stated.

In exchange for commitments from the network operators, the government will provide long-term access to the 3.5GHz spectrum band, used globally for 5G services, through a direct allocation process. This move is expected to enhance coverage in regional and rural New Zealand.

This initiative builds on other government investments, such as the $60 million allocated through Budget 2022 for rural connectivity improvements, as well as the $47 million for rural capacity upgrades initiated in February 2022.