New Zealand has added 15 new cell towers to existing networks to expand mobile coverage to more than 1,700 square kilometres of rural areas.
This development was a result of the auction of the 700-MHz band of radio spectrum won by Spark and Vodafone in 2014. Under the auction agreement, Spark and Vodafone were required to build new towers in new rural areas in the first five years after the purchase.
Sixty more towers are expected are in the pipeline for construction.
“People living and working in these areas can now use their mobile phones in places where there was previously no coverage,” said Minister for Communications Amy Adams.
“This new coverage is essential for emergency situations and will help emergency service providers to quickly reach those needing assistance.”
The Minister disclosed that 80% of New Zealanders now have access to 4G high-speed mobile data services, and that this is expected to reach 90% by 2019.
Vodafone’s five new towers are in Catlins North (Southland), Waihau Bay (East Coast), Tapawera South (Tasman), Otautau (Southland), and Millers Flat (Central Otago).
Meanwhile, the New Spark towers have been built at: Castle Hill (North Canterbury), Awhitu North (South Manukau Heads), Porongahau (South Hawkes Bay), Glen Murray (South of Port Waikato), Barrytown (West Coast), Maihiihi (Waikato), Kaniere (West Coast), Gladstone (Wairarapa), Karamea (West Coast), and Kaiaua (western Firth of Thames).