New Zealand telecommunications provider 2degrees has accelerated its 5G network expansion with the launch of the 5G Technology in Nelson, Oamaru, Greymouth, Gore, and Masterton. 2degrees stated that this move is part of its strategic plan to bring 5G to 50 towns by mid-next year.
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5G Expansion Grows in NZ Towns
"We continue to roll out 5G at pace. The access to longer-term 3.5 GHz spectrum rights allocated by the government this year, and the certainty this has provided is supporting the continued development of New Zealand's world-class mobile networks and means we can invest with confidence," 2degrees said.
2degrees emphasised the significance of government-allocated 3.5 GHz spectrum rights in boosting their confidence for network development, as reported by TelecomTalk.
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Broad 5G Footprint in Major Cities
2degress highlighted "Traditionally, people use more data when it's sunny, so with Nelson's reputation for being the sunshine capital of New Zealand, it will be interesting to see data usage in the area."
The telco said, "2degrees 5G coverage achieved in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch is also well advanced. A comparison between the main telco's coverage maps shows 2degrees has a wider reach with 5G in our major cities."
Surge in Network Usage Amid Visitor Influx
Notably, 2degrees reported a surge in international visitors using its network in August, establishing post-COVID records. The telco attributed this surge to the influx of visitors coming to New Zealand for the World Cup.
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2degrees 5G Areas
Presently, 2degrees' 5G technology is available in multiple areas, including Oamaru, Nelson, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Whangarei, Rotorua, Masterton, Greymouth, Napier, Hamilton, Tauranga, Gore, and Cromwell.
The 5G expansion aims to enhance mobile connectivity and data services for these regions, furthering New Zealand's mobile network capabilities.