Anouncement follows acquisition by Infratil and Brookfield.
Vodafone has announced it will switch on a 5G network in December, starting in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
A 5G mobile network promises up to 10 times faster data speeds than the current 4G technology.
The launch announcement coincided with the completion of its sale to Brookfield and Infratil, and follows its former parent company’s rollout of 5G in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany.
Vodafone NZ chief executive Jason Paris said 5G was more than a successor to 4G.
“It’s our most powerful tool yet, representing a transformational shift that will drive a digital revolution and make New Zealanders’ lives and businesses better, smarter and more productive.
“The experience of Vodafone in launching 5G in other countries has shown that consumer applications such as gaming, wearables, and smart home technologies definitely benefit from 5G’s higher-speed and lower latency, however it is innovative businesses and public organisations who are the real early adopters.”
Paris said its first partners for the network would be NZ Police, BNZ, Auckland’s Rescue Helicopter and Waste Management.
“They have agreed to work with us and our partners Nokia, Microsoft, and IBM, to begin to scope their 5G future,” he said.
“This announcement demonstrates Infratil and Brookfield’s commitment to invest in New Zealand’s future, and is the first of many initiatives that will show that we are 100% focused on delivering world class experiences for all Vodafone customers and for New Zealand.”
The size of the investment was not disclosed.
More to come
