Vodafone coverage extended

Media Release
28 May 2009

Job done: Vodafone coverage extended to 97% of the places New Zealanders live, work and play

Vodafone has completed its extension of the 3G network to 97% of the places New Zealanders live work and play, making it the first 3G network to reach so many New Zealanders.

Already, half a million New Zealanders are benefiting from our 3G network which has been delivering faster speeds and great content since 2005.

Now, Vodafone has extended its 3G coverage allowing more New Zealanders than ever access to all the mobile applications 3G offers, including internet on your mobile – which allows users to access their favourite websites on the go – for as little as $1 a day. Those without access to fixed broadband can now benefit from mobile broadband, and access popular 3G services like GPS mapping, full-track music downloads and video calling.

Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer, Ken Tunnicliffe, says Vodafone is delighted to be able to extend the reach of its 3G network to 97% of the population.

“Since we first launched our 3G network in 2005, we’ve been continually improving the products and services offered to our customers. Now we’ve extended those products and services to the majority of the country’s population a year ahead of schedule – something we’re really proud of.”

Vodafone has invested nearly $3 billion in New Zealand, continually improving and extending its network through a progression of technology evolutions.

Vodafone announced it would extend its 3G network footprint to match its 2G network in July 2008. Since then engineers and technicians have been working round the clock to deliver faster speeds in more places around the country.

“Our customers always push us to deliver more and Vodafone is delighted to be able to say today you can watch Sky Mobile TV, listen to over two million songs and surf the net from your mobile throughout the country” says Tunnicliffe.

Notes to Editors
Vodafone launched its 3G network in August 2005 and has continually refined and developed the network since.
The network extension uses 900 MHz spectrum, which offers greater coverage in more sparsely populated areas.

ENDS

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