New Zealand

Mobile networks and carriers in New Zealand use 2 GSM bands, 3 UMTS bands, 6 LTE bands, and 2 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in New Zealand. See the tables below for details.

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New Zealand's mobile network has undergone significant development over the years. The country's first mobile network was introduced in the late 1980s, with the first commercial service launched in 1991. Initially, the network was based on analog technology, but it quickly transitioned to digital technologies such as GSM and UMTS.

By the early 2000s, mobile penetration had increased, and the number of mobile connections grew rapidly. The introduction of 3G services in the mid-2000s further expanded the capabilities of mobile networks, enabling faster data speeds and more advanced services.

In recent years, New Zealand has seen a significant shift towards 4G (LTE) technology, with 97% of populated areas now having access to 3G services and a similar proportion expected to have access to 4G services upon completion of deployments. Despite the challenges posed by high network investment costs and the need to manage multiple network technologies, the mobile industry in New Zealand has performed well compared to OECD peers, with high levels of coverage and competitive pricing.

Major players in the market include Spark New Zealand, One NZ, and 2degrees, which offer a range of services including voice, data, and messaging. These operators have been investing heavily in 5G technology, with Spark testing the first end-to-end 5G standalone network in New Zealand in August 2022.

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Carriers

Name	# of frequency bands in use
2degrees	7
Spark	8
Vodafone	8

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Frequencies in use

GSM

Name	Interface
900 MHz (E-GSM)	GSM
1800 MHz (DCS)	GSM

UMTS

Name	Interface
B1 (2100 MHz)	UMTS
B5 (850 MHz)	UMTS
B8 (900 MHz GSM)	UMTS

LTE

Name	Interface
B1 (2100 MHz)	LTE
B3 (1800 MHz +)	LTE
B7 (2600 MHz)	LTE
B8 (900 MHz)	LTE
B28 (700 MHz APT)	LTE
B40 (TD 2300 MHz)	LTE

5G NR

Name	Interface
N40 (2300 MHz)	5G NR
N78 (3500 MHz)	5G NR

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