One NZ
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One New Zealand (formerly known as Vodafone New Zealand) is a New Zealand telecommunications company.[2][3] One NZ is the largest wireless carrier in New Zealand, accounting for 38% of the country's mobile market in 2021.[4]
Key Information
Corporate history
[edit]Vodafone New Zealand (1998–2023)
[edit]
One NZ is based in Auckland and was formed in 1998 as Vodafone New Zealand, after Vodafone purchased BellSouth's New Zealand operations. The company employs over 3,000 people and has operations nationwide, with its main offices based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The company is part of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum.
In October 2006, Vodafone bought ihug, New Zealand's third largest Internet service provider at the time, to provide internet services under the Vodafone name.[5]
In 2012, Vodafone bought TelstraClear, making it New Zealand's second largest internet service provider.[6]
In June 2016, Sky TV and Vodafone agreed to merge, with Sky TV purchasing 100% of Vodafone NZ operations for a cash payment of NZ$1.25 billion and issuing new shares to the Vodafone Group. Vodafone UK was to get a 51% stake in the company.[7] However, the proposed merger was rejected by the Commerce Commission, resulting in a plunge in Sky TV's shares, and the proposed merger was not completed.[8]
The company launched New Zealand's first 4G LTE network and continues to maintain its 2G network. In February 2013, Vodafone New Zealand launched New Zealand's first LTE mobile network which is currently available to 98% of the population.[9] In June 2014, Vodafone New Zealand was ranked the fastest mobile network on the planet by speed-testing service Ookla.[10] In December 2019, Vodafone New Zealand launched New Zealand's first 5G mobile network which by 2023 was available in more than 70 towns and cities across New Zealand.[9]
It ceased to be a subsidiary of the London-listed company Vodafone Plc on 31 July 2019, when its sale to a consortium comprising Infratil Limited and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. was settled.[11] The sold company would continue to use the Vodafone brand under a commercial arrangement with Vodafone plc.[12]
In March 2022, Vodafone New Zealand was described as the best mobile network in New Zealand by umlaut.[13] In August 2022, Vodafone New Zealand announced that from 31 August 2024, it would start to switch off their 3G mobile network to allow further expansion of the 4G/5G mobile network.[14]
One NZ (2023–present)
[edit]In September 2022, it was announced that Vodafone New Zealand would change its name to One New Zealand in early 2023.[15][16][17] Stuff News reported that the naming change could save the company between $20 million and $30 million that it would otherwise be paying in licensing fees.[18] Vodafone NZ stated that customers' ability to roam on networks overseas will be unaffected by the name change.
Stuff published an article titled "Could Vodafone's rebrand to One New Zealand backfire?", stating that the naming change could be tarnished by the name's association with the defunct NZ political party One NZ.[19] In response, the company's CEO Jason Paris said on Twitter "One NZ stands for the best of NZ (diversity, inclusion, trust, innovation etc)".[20]
One NZ currently operates New Zealand's largest 5G mobile network and New Zealand's only 2G mobile network.[9] On 3 April 2023, Vodafone NZ announced their change to One NZ, while also announcing a deal with SpaceX to provide 100% mobile coverage through their Starlink satellite internet service, which was to be available in late 2024.[2][3]
In May 2023, One NZ was described as the best mobile network in New Zealand by Umlaut.[21]
In June 2023, Infratil announced that they would be taking full control of One NZ by buying out all shares from Brookfield Asset Management. This brought the Infratil ownership to 99.90%, making One NZ a New Zealand owned company.[22] A small percentage of the company is owned by executives.[23]
In August 2023, One NZ was fined over $3 million for breaching the Fair Trading Act by misleading consumers about their FibreX service, after One NZ incorrectly told people that FibreX was the only broadband service available at their location.[24]
In May 2024, One NZ was described as the best mobile network in New Zealand by Umlaut.[25][26]
In October 2024, One NZ received approval to test Starlink satellite-to-mobile SMS service. This came as the FCC voted unanimously in favor of its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) regulatory framework on 14 March 2024.[27]
In June 2025, One NZ was again awarded the best mobile network in New Zealand by Umlaut.[28][29]
Market share
[edit]In December 2021, One NZ had 2.4 million customers.[30] According to the Commerce Commission's Annual Telecommunications Monitoring Report in March 2022, One NZ's market share in the mobile market was 38%, Spark 41% and Two Degrees Mobile 19%. The remainding 2% of the market is made up of mobile virtual network operators.[31]
Acquisitions
[edit]BellSouth
[edit]BellSouth had 138,000 customers when it was purchased by Vodafone in November 1998. BellSouth's main rival was Telecom New Zealand (now Spark), New Zealand's second largest telecommunications company behind Vodafone. After Vodafone took over Bellsouth, it expanded network coverage to compete more effectively with Telecom.[citation needed]
ihug
[edit]On 11 October 2006, Vodafone acquired ihug from iiNet, and closed the ihug brand in 2008. ihug was a popular Internet Service Provider and was notable for introducing a flat rate account in 1995.
TelstraClear
[edit]On 31 October 2012, Vodafone acquired 100% of TelstraClear from Australian company Telstra. TelstraClear had its beginnings in New Zealand with Kiwi Cable, Clear Communications in 1990, and Telstra New Zealand in 1996.
Telstra NZ expanded its operations in the business market, bundling Telecom New Zealand services distributed as a reseller with its own network services. It maintained interconnect agreements with Telecom New Zealand, Clear Communications and some smaller service providers. In 1999 Saturn Communications was sold by its parent company, Austar United Communications, to a new joint venture with Telstra that became known as TelstraSaturn. TelstraClear was then created by the merger of Telstra's TelstraSaturn and Clear Communications in December 2001.
In July 2012 Vodafone NZ approached Telstra to purchase TelstraClear for a payment of $840 million, and $450 million that TelstraClear had in its accounts. The Commerce Commission approved the bid on 30 October, and the sale was completed on 31 October.[32] TelstraClear's final trading day was 31 March 2013.[citation needed]
WorldxChange (WxC)
[edit]On 10 June 2015, Vodafone NZ acquired WorldxChange, a New Zealand based telecommunications business.[33][34] WorldxChange delivered communications services to government, corporate, and business customers; and fibre broadband to residential customers.
Defend Limited
[edit]In February 2022 Vodafone NZ signed a conditional agreement to acquire a 60% majority share in cybersecurity specialist company Defend.[35]
Dense Air
[edit]One NZ committed to acquiring Dense Air, in order to use their 2x35MHz of 2600 MHz spectrum rights, and immediately deploy it for use on its 5G network. The acquisition of Dense Air by One NZ was approved by the Commerce Commission on 6 May 2024.[36][37]
Mobile services
[edit]Coverage
[edit]One NZ operates a GSM (2G) mobile phone network at 900 MHz, a UMTS (3G) network at 900 MHz and 2100 MHz, a 4G LTE network at 700 MHz, 900 MHz 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz and a 5G NR network. It states that the network provides service in "Our mobile network covers over 99% of the population, with 4G/5G coverage to over 99% by late 2024".[38]
On 25 October 2024, One NZ confirmed that it would delay plans to close its 2G and 3G services until 31 December 2025.[39][40]
GSM Coverage (2G)
[edit]One NZ operates a nationwide GSM service in the 900 MHz band. In areas with high demand One used to operate additional GSM services in the 1800 MHz band, usually from existing 900 MHz cell sites, to provide more capacity. Areas that had both 900 MHz and 1800 MHz service included most major business districts and large shopping malls. In later years One NZ also established some cell sites that only provided 1800 MHz service where it was difficult to release spectrum for more 900 MHz cell sites. Most phones sold since the mid-1990s supported both bands.
In March 2016 Vodafone New Zealand announced plans to shut down its 2G (GSM) network, beginning with voice and messaging services. Vodafone's Spokesperson Elissa Downey commented that they would keep the GSM network running until 2025, although it would only support devices using GSM data such as electricity meters that send readings over the network, and that they would be announcing the end date for its 2G voice service soon.[41] In early August 2016, however, it was reported that Vodafone was reconsidering its choice to shut down the network, with Spokesperson Andrea Brady stating that the 2G network "will not be switched off anytime soon as it continues to serve customers across New Zealand".[42] This announcement came following the company's criticism of rival operator Spark's billboard campaign that claimed "Vodafone's 2G network is shutting down" and invited customers to "switch before [they're] ditched",[43] despite neither Spark, nor its child division Skinny Mobile – whom the campaign was run under – operating a compatible 2G network. The campaign was denounced by Vodafone as "pretty misleading", shortly followed by the announcement that 2G voice services would not be ended any time soon.[44] On 4 April 2024, One NZ announced the planned shutdown date for its 2G network. The announcement was made alongside the revised shutdown date for its 3G network. Both the 2G and 3G networks are scheduled to be shut down on 31 December 2025. [45]
UMTS Coverage (3G)
[edit]In the main centres, One NZ operates UMTS (3G) service using the 2100 MHz band. UMTS service is often provided from the same cell site as 900 MHz and/or 1800 MHz GSM services. Most of the existing 900 MHz sites were built in the 1990s when it was not expected that a 2100 MHz network would be built, hence the existing 900 MHz network was not at all optimised for 2100 MHz service. Due to the fact that 900 MHz and 1800 MHz signals propagate further than 2100 MHz signals, there were many areas beyond 2100 MHz coverage where UMTS phones would have to hand down to 900 MHz or 1800 MHz GSM service. One NZ established many individual 2100 MHz UMTS sites to enhance 3G coverage.
In rural areas, One NZ has installed 900 MHz UMTS (3G) service alongside their existing 900 MHz GSM (2G) service. The 900 MHz UMTS service has roughly the same coverage area as 900 MHz GSM service, so instances of UMTS service being handed down to GSM should occur far less often in rural areas than in areas covered by the 2100 MHz network. However, older UMTS phones only support 2100 MHz service so these phones will hand down to 900 MHz GSM even though there is UMTS service available at 900 MHz.
Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) coverage: One NZ have a contract with the New Zealand government to provide fixed cellular access to the internet with antennas mounted on the outside of buildings, homes and businesses at speeds of at least 5 Mbit/s. Much of the coverage as of 2015 is on 900 MHz 3G (hands down to 2G as a backup). By January 2016, One NZ had actively extended its 4G network throughout key rural areas, and was on track to deliver speeds as high as 100 Mbit/s.[46]
RBI services is sold by many ISPs and can include voice services and internet services designed to give similar plans and pricing as landline. One NZ wholesales RBI services over cellular to many ISPs, and any ISP may provide RBI services over cellular, ADSL and UFB fibre, whatever is available at the customer's rural property (urban areas are excluded from RBI offerings).
In August 2022, One NZ announced plans to shut down its 3G network as early as August 2024.[47] On 4 April 2024, the company stated that the shutdown would be delayed from 31 August 2024 to 31 March 2025.[48] On 24 August 2024, One NZ announced a further postponement, rescheduling the 3G shutdown to 31 December 2025. The same date was also set for the planned shutdown of its 2G network.[49]
LTE Coverage (4G)
[edit]One NZ offers 4G LTE coverage across New Zealand, claiming coverage to over 99% of the population by late 2024. One NZ uses frequencies at 700 MHz (Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), and 2600 MHz (Band 7) for 4G.
4G was originally considered an "add-on" and was included in three higher level plans[50] and the Vodafone Red plans.[51] The 700 MHz 4G LTE frequency used in New Zealand is APT band 28 and was first launched by Vodafone in Papakura on 21 July 2014.[52][53]
5G NR Coverage (5G)
[edit]One NZ launched its 5G service in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown on 10 December 2019, and rolled out the service to other cities in recent years. One NZ plans to roll out 4G/5G to 99% of the population by late 2024 as the One NZ 3G network will no longer be available in these areas.[9]
Mobile virtual network service
[edit]One NZ also provides services for mobile virtual network operators. This means other companies can resell One NZ's network services (data, telephone and SMS) under their own brand name. Their customers connect to One NZ's network as any other One NZ customer would, but instead of seeing "One NZ" as the network operator, they will see the name of the company they pay for these services.
MVNO networks do not have their own cellular equipment, so customers connect to One NZ's network constantly, instead of jumping between networks. Current MVNOs running on One NZ's network include: Kogan Mobile, Mighty Mobile (owned by online retailer Mighty Ape)[54] and formerly Black + White Mobile.[55]
This differed from a roaming arrangement previously in place with 2degrees, who offloaded customers onto the (former) Vodafone network when they were not in a 2degrees mobile coverage zone. 2degrees had this roaming agreement with Vodafone until 2020, and as such, their customers roamed only on the network when they had no coverage, otherwise they would connect to 2degrees' own equipment.
Phone numbers
[edit]In New Zealand, all mobile phone numbers start with 02. One NZ is allocated the 021 prefix with other networks being allocated other prefixes – such as 022 to 2degrees, and 027 to Spark. Number portability was introduced to the New Zealand market on 2 April 2007 which means that customers can bring, for example, their 021 prefixed number to Spark or 2degrees.
029 Prefix
[edit]Vodafone NZ used to operate the 029 prefix on behalf of TelstraClear, in addition to its own 021 prefix. TelstraClear customers, mostly corporates, were able to get mobile numbers with this prefix; these customers were billed by TelstraClear, rather than being billed directly by Vodafone. This agreement lapsed in 2007, and in 2008 some of these customers were transitioned to Telecom who serviced them initially with CDMA2000 technology. Those TelstraClear 029 customers not transitioned to Telecom New Zealand remained with Vodafone. Subsequently, TelstraClear joined Telecom as a MVNO operator, but that relationship soured and TelstraClear re-signed with Vodafone in 2009, "ending the possibility of a move to Telecom's new XT network"[56] and remaining on the Vodafone network.
Comparison with 027 prefix
[edit]Spark NZ (formerly Telecom New Zealand), One NZ's rival, has fixed 10-digit numbers under its 0272–0279 prefixes, which allows approximately 7 million possible numbers. Telecom originally had mixed 9-digit and 10-digit numbers using the older 025 prefix. The 027 prefix with only 10-digit numbers simplified its numbering system at the time of launching its CDMA network. The older 025 prefix was phased out with its now redundant AMPS and TDMA networks.
3G services
[edit]On 10 August 2005 Vodafone introduced a 3G network employing the UMTS technology widely used in Europe and elsewhere. Using this standard, Vodafone now offers Video calling, music downloads, SKY mobile TV and other services from its Vodafone live! portal.
Vodafone began rolling out HSPA+ data services on its UMTS network in 2011; at the time of writing (May 2012), Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have coverage. HSPA+ is capable of a theoretical maximum 168 Mbit/s download speed and 22 Mbit/s upload speed, although higher speeds are only supported in areas with an excellent radio signal.
Vodafone launched HD Voice[57] on 7 November 2013 – a high definition voice call technology. This technology works over 3G with HD Voice compatible phones on Vodafone to Vodafone voice calls.
One NZ announced that its 3G network will be shut down on 31 December 2025, the same date scheduled for the closure of its 2G network.[58]
iPhone
[edit]
The first iPhone 3G released on 11 July 2008 was sold by Vodafone in Auckland, New Zealand to 22-year-old student Jonny Gladwell at 12:01 am NZST.[59] The iPhone 3G was only available to customers on the Vodafone network.[60] 3G coverage for iPhone 3G was limited to major urban centres, as the phone operated on 850, 1900 and 2100 MHz bands; Vodafone's 3G network uses 900 and 2100 MHz. (The 850 MHz 3G band is used by Spark NZ.) 900 MHz capability was added from the iPhone 3GS and subsequent models of iPhone.
Fixed-line broadband
[edit]ADSL and VDSL
[edit]One NZ still offers copper-based ADSL and VDSL services.[61] Vodafone had inherited two ISPs, Paradise.net and Clearnet when it purchased TelstraClear.
DOCSIS (cable)
[edit]One NZ also offers DOCSIS cable modem broadband within the former TelstraClear's network.[62]
In June 2016, Vodafone upgraded its cable network to DOCSIS 3.1, in order to support gigabit speeds.[63]
One NZ currently offers a single option on the cable network. The standard plan provides up to 912 Mbit/s download and 104 Mbit/s upload.[64]
Coverage
[edit]One NZ's cable network is available in the following areas:
- Most of Wellington City, excluding Tawa, Churton Park, Glenside, Broadmeadows, Ngauranga, Kaiwharawhara, and central Wellington (bound by State Highway 1 and Kent Terrace)
- Lower Hutt, including Wainuiomata and Stokes Valley, but excluding Haywards, Manor Park, the western hill suburbs (west of State Highway 2) and eastern bay suburbs (Point Howard to Muritai, including Eastbourne)
- Upper Hutt, excluding Tōtara Park
- Kapiti urban area (Waikanae to Paekākāriki)
- Southern and eastern Christchurch, including the suburbs of Mairehau, Shirley, Richmond, Avonside, Dallington, Wainoni, Avondale, Aranui, Bexley, parts of New Brighton and North New Brighton, Bromley, Linwood, Ferrymead, Woolston, Opawa, Waltham, Sydenham, Saint Martins, Beckenham, Somerfield, Addington, Spreydon, Hoon Hay, Hillmorton, Middleton, parts of Riccarton and Upper Riccarton (south of and including Riccarton Road), Sockburn, Broomfield, Hei Hei, and parts of Islington and Hornby.
UFB
[edit]One NZ offers a range of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB fibre) products.
Television
[edit]One NZ, then Vodafone operated an internet television (IPTV) service under the brand "VodafoneTV". It was delivered over a broadband connection. The TV service was originally operated over a cable network formerly owned by TelstraClear in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Customers could receive Freeview channels via a Vodafone TV box and had the ability to subscribe to Sky TV channels. Selected content was available in high-definition.
TechTV was available up until May 2004, when current owner Comcast halted international broadcasts. Chilli, an adult channel was also available until 2006 when CEO Alan Freeth discontinued the product on moral grounds.[65] Visitor TV was closed down after the 22 February earthquake.
In September 2010, TelstraClear released their own PVR called the T-Box. The launch followed the release by parent company Telstra (AU) of a similar product. As of June 2011, TelstraClear ceased all analogue transmission on its cable network.
VodafoneTV was relaunched in 2019 as a standalone product. A customer could purchase a VodafoneTV box from a retailer and access the service using any broadband provider. The new box had various OTT media streaming apps pre-installed.
Vodafone announced the closure of the VodafoneTV service on 9 December 2021,[66] to be retired on 30 September 2022. This end date was then extended to 28 February 2023, before finally closing on 31 March 2023.
Advertising
[edit]In May 2024, One NZ's advertising started with the slogan "Let's get connected".[67]
Criticism and complaints
[edit]Between 2006 and 2009, Vodafone ran a series of advertisements and promotions which were found to be misleading, and led to complaints – and eventually a series of large fines in 2011 and 2012[68][69] – after action was taken by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act. Vodafone NZ issued an apology for this incident.[70]
References
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- ^ "Vodafone NZ buys majority stake in cybersecurity firm Defend". The New Zealand Herald. 25 February 2022.
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- ^ Brislen, Paul (9 February 2025). "Farewelling the era of basic video calls, emails on the go: Goodbye 3G". The Post. Archived from the original on 10 February 2025. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ Pullar-Strecker, Tom (16 March 2016). "Vodafone signals the end is high for its 2G voice service". Stuff. Fairfax New Zealand. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
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- ^ Biddle, Steve (29 July 2016). "Skinny takes FUD to new heights with Vodafone GSM network shutdown billboards". Geekzone. Archived from the original on 30 July 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
- ^ Pullar-Strecker, Tom (5 August 2016). "Vodafone backs away from naming date for closure of 2G voice network". Stuff. Fairfax New Zealand. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
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One NZ
View on GrokipediaCorporate History
Origins as Vodafone New Zealand (1998–2020)
Vodafone New Zealand originated from the acquisition of BellSouth New Zealand Limited by Vodafone Group plc, announced in August 1998 and completed in November 1998 for NZ$750 million in cash.[10][11] BellSouth had entered the New Zealand mobile market in 1993 with a GSM network, building a subscriber base of around 138,000 by the time of the sale, along with capabilities for paging, short message service, and email integration.[12] The company was formally incorporated on 12 October 1998, marking Vodafone's entry into the New Zealand telecommunications sector as a fully owned subsidiary.[1] This move rebranded the operations under the Vodafone name, leveraging the parent's global expertise in mobile technology to enhance local infrastructure and services.[13] In the initial years following the acquisition, Vodafone New Zealand prioritized network expansion and upgrades to its inherited GSM infrastructure, fostering competition against dominant player Telecom New Zealand and driving mobile adoption amid a market transitioning from analogue to digital systems.[13] Significant capital investments supported coverage improvements across urban and rural areas, contributing to the sector's growth from limited penetration in the late 1990s to broader accessibility by the 2000s.[14] By the early 2010s, the company advanced to next-generation technologies, launching New Zealand's first LTE mobile network in February 2013, which expanded to serve 98% population coverage over subsequent years.[15] The period culminated in a strategic shift when, in August 2020, Vodafone Group announced the sale of 100% ownership of Vodafone New Zealand to a consortium comprising Infratil Limited and Brookfield Asset Management for an enterprise value of NZ$3.4 billion.[16] This transaction, completed later that year, established a partner market arrangement, allowing continued use of the Vodafone brand while transferring operational control, reflecting the parent's focus on core European markets amid global portfolio restructuring.[16]Key Acquisitions and Expansion (2000–2022)
In the early 2000s, Vodafone New Zealand focused on expanding its mobile network capabilities beyond voice services, introducing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for data connectivity in 2001, which enabled basic internet access on mobile devices and marked an initial step toward mobile broadband.[17] This was followed by the launch of Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology, enhancing data speeds and supporting early multimedia services. By August 2005, the company rolled out New Zealand's first 3G UMTS network, providing higher-speed mobile internet and video calling capabilities initially in major urban areas like Auckland and Wellington.[18][19] In October 2006, Vodafone extended this infrastructure to commercial 3G broadband services, offering download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps via USB modems, competing directly with fixed-line alternatives.[20] A pivotal acquisition occurred in October 2006 when Vodafone purchased ihug, New Zealand's largest independent internet service provider, from Australian firm iiNet for NZ$41 million.[21][22] This deal provided Vodafone with an established customer base of over 100,000 broadband subscribers, dial-up users, and toll calling services, facilitating its entry into the fixed-line internet market without building infrastructure from scratch; ihug's assets included nationwide DSL access via partnerships with Telecom New Zealand. The acquisition strengthened Vodafone's position in residential broadband, where it previously relied on wholesale arrangements, and allowed bundling of mobile and fixed services to drive customer retention.[22] The most transformative expansion came in 2012 with the acquisition of TelstraClear from Telstra Corporation for a cash consideration of NZ$840 million, completed in October 2012.[23] This purchase integrated TelstraClear's fixed-line infrastructure, including copper and fiber-optic networks, enterprise voice services, and a subscriber base exceeding 200,000 broadband and phone customers, significantly broadening Vodafone's offerings beyond mobile-only dominance.[24] Post-acquisition, Vodafone accelerated fixed broadband rollout, leveraging TelstraClear's assets to participate more aggressively in the government's Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative, which aimed to deploy fiber-to-the-home for 75% of New Zealanders by 2019; by 2013, Vodafone had connected over 100,000 premises to fiber. The deal also enhanced enterprise solutions, such as data centers and wholesale services, contributing to a reported 10% increase in overall market share within two years.[23] Mobile network upgrades continued in parallel, with Vodafone launching 4G LTE services in February 2013, starting in Auckland suburbs and expanding nationwide by 2015 to cover 95% of the population.[25][26] This rollout supported peak speeds up to 150 Mbps initially, enabling high-definition video streaming and cloud applications, and positioned Vodafone ahead of competitors in next-generation mobile broadband. Subsequent acquisitions included WorldxChange in June 2015, a VoIP and unified communications provider, which bolstered enterprise cloud-based telephony and integrated services for business customers.[27] In March 2017, Vodafone acquired a 70% stake in TeamTalk's rural broadband and satellite operations for NZ$10 million, extending coverage to remote areas via fixed wireless and VSAT technology, addressing gaps in urban-focused networks.[28] These moves collectively diversified Vodafone's portfolio, from mobile-centric to a converged fixed-mobile operator, with fixed broadband subscribers growing from negligible pre-2006 levels to over 400,000 by 2020.Rebranding to One NZ and Recent Milestones (2023–present)
In October 2022, Vodafone New Zealand announced plans to rebrand as One New Zealand in early 2023, reflecting its transition to fully local ownership following the 2020 acquisition by Infratil and Brookfield from the Vodafone Group.[3] The rebranding was completed on April 3, 2023, marking the end of the Vodafone name in the New Zealand market after over two decades.[29] Concurrent with the name change, One NZ revealed a partnership with SpaceX to integrate Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellites for direct-to-cell mobile connectivity, targeting nationwide coverage including remote areas and offering free emergency voice services to compatible devices regardless of carrier.[30][31] Post-rebranding, One NZ advanced its network capabilities, including a December 2024 commercial launch of Satellite TXT service powered by Starlink—the first nationwide implementation globally—enabling text messaging via satellite on eligible plans and devices at no additional cost.[4] This was expanded in June 2025 to support Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, extending coverage to 40% more of New Zealand's geography for machine-to-machine applications.[32] In October 2024, the company aligned its 2G and 3G network shutdowns to December 31, 2025, to prioritize spectrum reallocation for 4G and 5G enhancements, urging customers to upgrade non-compatible devices.[33] One NZ achieved recognition for network performance, earning Umlaut's "Best in Test" award for mobile quality in June 2025, its fourth consecutive year leading competitors with a score of 852 out of 1,000.[34] Sustainability efforts included Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation of emission reduction goals in August 2025, following a 64% year-on-year drop in Scope 1, 2, and select Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for the financial year ending March 31, 2025.[7] Infrastructure upgrades continued with a March 2025 multi-year Ericsson partnership for core network modernization to bolster 5G security and capacity.[35] By October 2025, satellite texting was activated for emergency use during severe weather events, enhancing resilience in disconnected regions.[36]Ownership and Governance
Ownership Structure and Changes
Vodafone New Zealand Limited, the predecessor to One NZ, was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc following the 1998 acquisition of BellSouth New Zealand.[16] The company operated under this structure until May 2019, when Vodafone Group agreed to sell 100% of its shares to a consortium comprising New Zealand-based infrastructure investor Infratil Limited and Canadian firm Brookfield Asset Management Inc. for an enterprise value of NZ$3.4 billion.[37] Under the deal, Infratil and Brookfield each acquired a 49.95% stake, with the transaction becoming unconditional and completing on 31 July 2019.[38] [39] This shift to local and private equity ownership enabled greater operational independence from Vodafone Group's global licensing model, paving the way for the rebranding to One NZ in February 2023.[3] In June 2023, Infratil announced its acquisition of Brookfield's 49.95% stake for NZ$1.8 billion, raising its ownership to 99.90% and consolidating control.[40] [41] The deal, funded partly through a NZ$850 million capital raise by Infratil, completed on 15 June 2023.[42] One NZ is now privately held, with Infratil as the sole shareholder, reflecting a transition from multinational corporate ownership to New Zealand-centric private investment focused on infrastructure and growth.[1] No public shareholding or listing exists, and governance emphasizes long-term capital allocation aligned with Infratil's portfolio strategy.[43]Governance and Leadership
One New Zealand Group Limited (One NZ) is governed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infratil Limited, which acquired full ownership in June 2023 by purchasing the remaining stake from Brookfield Asset Management for approximately NZ$1.8 billion, increasing its holding from 49.95% to 99.90%.[44][1] The company's board of directors comprises primarily internal executive members, including Chief Executive Officer Jason Paris, Chief Corporate Officer Juliet Jones, and Chief Financial Officer Nick Judd, alongside at least one representative from the parent company, such as Andrew Carroll.[1][45] This structure reflects standard practices for a private subsidiary, prioritizing alignment with Infratil's strategic oversight over independent external directors, though it may limit diversified perspectives on risk and compliance.[1] Governance practices emphasize ethical policies and risk management, supported by around 40 internal policies across key areas such as health and safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and anti-harassment measures, as outlined in the company's Code of Conduct updated in July 2025.[46][47] One NZ integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into operations, achieving a 13-point increase in its global GRESB score and ranking second in Oceania for sustainability performance in 2025, driven by advancements in data center efficiency and renewable energy procurement.[48] Leadership is headed by Jason Paris, who has served as CEO since November 2018, initially appointed to lead Vodafone New Zealand (One NZ's predecessor) following his tenure at Microsoft New Zealand.[49][50] The executive team reports to Paris and includes specialized roles such as Chief Technology Officer Kieran Byrne, Chief People Officer Jodie King, Chief AI & Data Director Summer Collins (appointed November 2023), and Chief Enterprise Director Mike Purchase (confirmed October 2023), reflecting a focus on technological innovation and operational resilience amid competitive pressures in New Zealand's telecommunications sector.[51][52][53]Financial Performance
Revenue and Profitability Metrics
One New Zealand Group Limited reported revenue of NZ$1.997 billion for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2024 (FY2024), a 0.65% increase from NZ$1.984 billion in FY2023, reflecting limited growth in a mature market characterized by stable subscriber numbers and modest pricing adjustments.[54] [55] This incremental rise was driven by higher average revenue per user (ARPU) in mobile services, which increased from NZ$31.30 per month in FY2023 to NZ$33.20 per month in FY2024, offsetting flat connections and competitive pressures in broadband and enterprise segments.[54] Profitability improved markedly, with normalised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation after funding costs (EBITDAF) reaching NZ$600 million in FY2024, a 13.7% rise from NZ$528 million in FY2023.[56] This uplift stemmed from operational efficiencies, including cost reductions in procurement and network maintenance, alongside revenue from wholesale services and consumer mobile upselling, despite elevated capital expenditures on 5G infrastructure.[56] [54] The EBITDAF margin expanded to 30% in FY2024 from 27% in FY2023, indicating enhanced cost discipline amid stagnant top-line growth.[55] For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025 (FY2025), EBITDAF edged higher to NZ$605 million, with the margin further improving to 31%, supported by continued ARPU gains and wholesale contributions, though revenue details remained undisclosed in parent company disclosures.[57] [55] In the first half of FY2025 (to 30 September 2024), EBITDAF totaled NZ$304 million, up 9% year-over-year, underscoring sustained profitability momentum from mobile and enterprise segments.[58] Net profit figures are not routinely disclosed separately, as EBITDAF serves as the primary profitability metric for telecommunications operators like One NZ, given high depreciation from network assets.[56]| Fiscal Year | Revenue (NZ$ million) | Normalised EBITDAF (NZ$ million) | EBITDAF Margin (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | 1,984 | 528 | 27 |
| FY2024 | 1,997 | 600 | 30 |
| FY2025 | Not disclosed | 605 | 31 |
Investment and Capital Expenditures
One NZ allocates substantial capital expenditures primarily to enhancing its mobile network coverage, 5G deployment, and fixed-line infrastructure, with annual spending typically in the range of hundreds of millions of New Zealand dollars. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, capital expenditure excluding spectrum costs totaled NZ$304 million, supporting upgrades to 4G and 5G technologies amid a nationwide program targeting 99.5% population coverage and 60% geographic coverage by the end of calendar year 2025.[43] In the first half of fiscal year 2024, this figure stood at NZ$123 million, compared to NZ$125 million in the prior year's corresponding period, reflecting sustained investment in network modernization including the retirement of 3G services by 2025 and 2G by 2026.[43] Fiscal year 2025 capital expenditure reached NZ$269.3 million, with proportionate capex at the same level, directed toward property, plant, and equipment including over NZ$58 million for 277 new 4G/5G sites.[59] This followed guidance of NZ$240–270 million for the prior year, emphasizing efficiency at around 12–15% of revenue excluding spectrum and software-as-a-service costs.[60] Combined capex and investments totaled NZ$269.6 million in FY2025, up slightly from NZ$261.6 million in FY2024, funding initiatives such as core network modernization via a five-year Ericsson partnership announced in March 2025 to bolster future-ready connectivity and security.[35] In June 2025, One NZ invested an additional NZ$100 million specifically in 4G and 5G enhancements, contributing to its fourth consecutive 'Best in Test' mobile network award from umlaut.[61] Fixed infrastructure investments include management of approximately 11,000 km of fibre assets, such as 46% ownership in the Tasman Global Access (TGA) submarine cable and full ownership of Aqualink, alongside emerging integrations like a SpaceX partnership for satellite-to-mobile services enabling messaging in 2024 and voice, data, and IoT by 2025.[43] One NZ has earmarked NZ$200 million for broader mobile and fixed network upgrades, including rural connectivity expansions under the Rural Connectivity Group.[62] To optimize funding, the company sold passive mobile tower assets to Fortysouth in 2024, generating a right-of-use asset of NZ$771.3 million under a 20-year leaseback arrangement while incurring a corresponding lease liability of NZ$796.3 million, allowing reallocation of capital toward active network improvements.[59] These expenditures are supported by One NZ's ownership structure, with Infratil acquiring the remaining 49.95% stake from Brookfield in June 2024 for NZ$1.8 billion, achieving 99.9% control and facilitating accelerated investments in data/AI, security, and IT simplification programs like Phase 1 deployment of Salesforce CRM and service order management tools completed in FY2025.[44] Annual network investments consistently exceed hundreds of millions, prioritizing empirical coverage gains over short-term profitability pressures, as evidenced by FY2025 EBITDAF of NZ$604.8 million.[63][59]Market Position and Competition
Market Share Analysis
In the mobile telecommunications sector, One NZ maintains a substantial presence, holding approximately 2.2 million subscribers as of 2024, representing around 35-40% of the market share by subscriptions.[62][64] This positions it as the second-largest provider behind Spark NZ, which commands about 2.4 million subscribers, while the three dominant operators—Spark NZ, One NZ, and 2degrees—collectively control 97.5% of the market, with total connections reaching 6.8 million in 2024.[65][9] One NZ's mobile revenue grew to NZ$779 million in fiscal year 2024, up from NZ$731 million the prior year, reflecting sustained demand for data services amid 5G rollout, though it trails Spark in overall subscriber volume due to competitive pricing pressures from 2degrees.[65] Fixed broadband market share for One NZ stands lower at nearly 20% as of 2024, constrained by Spark's dominance in fiber uptake and the rise of alternatives like fixed wireless and satellite services.[66] The sector exhibits an oligopolistic structure, with the top three providers (Spark NZ, One NZ, and 2degrees) accounting for 73% of urban connections and 67% of rural residential broadband, amid a total of 1.98 million national connections.[65] One NZ benefits from its hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, offering plans up to 900 Mbps, but faces erosion from energy bundlers (13% share) and Starlink's rapid rural expansion to 50,000 connections by mid-2024.[65][67] Overall, One NZ's market position reflects a historical strength in mobile inherited from its Vodafone era—where it held 38% in 2021—but shows modest contraction amid 2degrees' gains through aggressive pricing and minor MVNO growth to 2.5% share by 2024.[1][65] The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index for mobile remains high at 3,343 in 2024, indicating limited deconcentration despite regulatory monitoring, while broadband's lower index of 2,040 signals greater competitive fluidity driven by technology shifts like fiber migration and satellite alternatives.[65] Post-rebranding in 2023, One NZ has sustained leadership in certain performance metrics, such as download speeds, but subscriber trends favor Spark in absolute terms, underscoring the causal role of infrastructure investments and pricing strategies in share dynamics.[68]Competitive Dynamics with Rivals
One NZ operates in an oligopolistic telecommunications market in New Zealand, primarily competing with Spark NZ and 2degrees, which together with One NZ control 97.5% of the mobile sector as of mid-2025.[9] Spark holds the largest market share, followed by One NZ, while 2degrees maintains around 21% of mobile subscribers, enabling it to challenge incumbents through targeted infrastructure sharing and pricing.[64][69] This structure promotes effective rivalry in mobile services, including LTE and 5G expansions, but exhibits resilient dominance that constrains smaller mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) via squeezed margins.[70] Competitive strategies center on network quality differentiation and promotional pricing. One NZ positions itself as a premium provider, securing "Best in Test" accolades for mobile network performance from independent audits for four years ending June 2025, citing leads in voice, data reliability, and overall consistency.[5] Rivals counter with their own claims; Spark topped fixed internet quality rankings for 2024-2025 with a score of 117,844 points from nPerf testing, while 2degrees recorded the fastest median download (223.73 Mbps) and upload (100.78 Mbps) speeds for ISPs in the second half of 2024 per Ookla data.[71][72] However, Opensignal's September 2024 mobile experience report showed 2degrees and Spark tying at 69.6-69.7 points for overall experience, edging out One NZ and highlighting variability in real-world metrics like coverage and latency.[68] Pricing dynamics involve frequent plan comparisons and incentives, with 2degrees often undercutting Spark and One NZ on base rates—such as lower per-MB roaming or unlimited data thresholds—to gain share, though all three offer similar postpaid plans starting around NZ$40-60 monthly for 100-200 GB data bundles as of September 2025.[73][74] Promotions, including retailer-tied vouchers (e.g., NZ$900 for dual sign-ups via JB Hi-Fi), intensify customer acquisition battles, yet fierce rivalry limits broad price erosion and hampers MVNO viability.[70] Consumer advocacy critiques persist, as none of the trio provides robust tools for customers to verify if they are on the lowest-cost suitable plan, stalling billing transparency improvements noted in 2025 reviews.[75] Regulatory oversight by the Commerce Commission shapes interactions, monitoring for anti-competitive conduct amid the big three's entrenched positions.[9] One NZ specifically faced criminal charges in November 2024 for allegedly misleading "100% coverage" representations in its April 2023 SpaceX satellite-integrated campaign, breaching Fair Trading Act provisions on deceptive advertising.[76] The company vowed a vigorous defense, arguing contextual accuracy in marketing, but the case underscores scrutiny on coverage claims amid rivals' parallel 5G investments.[77] Earlier, in April 2024, One NZ encountered action over emergency (111) calling code compliance failures, distinct from Spark and 2degrees but reflective of sector-wide pressures on reliability assurances.[78] Such interventions aim to foster verifiable competition without fragmenting infrastructure investments essential for nationwide service.Acquisitions and Mergers
BellSouth Acquisition (1998)
In September 1998, Vodafone Group Plc announced an agreement to acquire BellSouth New Zealand Limited, the New Zealand subsidiary of the U.S.-based BellSouth Corporation, for approximately NZ$750 million.[79][17] The transaction included BellSouth's cellular network assets, customer contracts, and operational infrastructure, with BellSouth Corp. divesting its 65% ownership stake for US$244 million while other partners, such as Singapore Technologies Ventures, also sold their shares as part of the deal.[80] This move consolidated Vodafone's presence in New Zealand's nascent mobile market, where it had entered earlier but sought to challenge the dominant fixed-line incumbent, Telecom New Zealand.[11] BellSouth New Zealand, established in 1993, had pioneered digital mobile services in the country by launching New Zealand's first GSM network, which supported advanced features like paging, short messaging, and data services including email.[12] At the time of acquisition, it served around 138,000 subscribers, representing a substantial portion of the mobile user base amid rapid growth in cellular adoption.[12] The deal received regulatory approval from New Zealand authorities, including the Commerce Commission, and was finalized in November 1998, enabling Vodafone to integrate BellSouth's spectrum holdings and infrastructure without immediate spectrum reallocation conflicts.[12][17] The acquisition enhanced Vodafone's competitive positioning by providing nationwide coverage and a modern digital platform, contrasting with Telecom New Zealand's earlier analog systems that were undergoing upgrades.[11] Post-acquisition, Vodafone rebranded BellSouth's operations under its own name, accelerating market share gains in a duopolistic environment where mobile penetration was expanding from under 20% to over 30% by the early 2000s.[12] This strategic purchase laid foundational assets for what would evolve into One NZ's mobile division, emphasizing GSM technology that supported voice, SMS, and nascent data capabilities critical for future broadband evolution.[79]Subsequent Key Acquisitions (ihug, TelstraClear, WorldxChange, Others)
In October 2006, Vodafone New Zealand acquired ihug, a major internet service provider (ISP), from Australian company iiNet for NZ$41 million.[22] The deal, announced on 10 October, targeted ihug's established broadband customer base of approximately 100,000 subscribers and its dial-up services, aiming to bolster Vodafone's fixed-line internet offerings amid growing competition in the broadband market.[81] ihug had been founded in 1994 as one of New Zealand's earliest ISPs and was previously acquired by iiNet in 2003 for NZ$81 million, reflecting its strategic value in the nascent internet sector.[82] Post-acquisition, Vodafone integrated ihug's infrastructure to expand its residential and small business broadband portfolio, though it faced challenges from regulatory scrutiny over market concentration in ISP services.[83] Vodafone New Zealand entered into an agreement on 12 July 2012 to purchase TelstraClear, the New Zealand subsidiary of Australia's Telstra Corporation, for NZ$840 million in cash, with the deal completing on 31 October 2012.[84] TelstraClear operated a significant fixed-line network, including enterprise data services, broadband, and voice telephony, serving over 100,000 customers and holding key infrastructure such as dark fiber and international cable connections.[85] The acquisition, Vodafone's largest to date in the country, enhanced its capabilities in corporate connectivity and wholesale services, enabling bundled mobile-fixed offerings and reducing reliance on competitors for backhaul.[86] It required approval from New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office, which assessed it as not materially harming competition, though critics noted potential consolidation risks in fixed infrastructure.[87] On 10 June 2015, Vodafone New Zealand acquired WorldxChange Communications, a specialist in voice over IP (VoIP) and converged IP telephony, for an undisclosed amount.[27] WorldxChange, established in 1995 and focused on enterprise-grade IP voice solutions with high reliability for call centers and businesses, complemented Vodafone's portfolio by adding cloud-based PBX systems and SIP trunking services.[88] The purchase targeted the growing demand for unified communications, allowing Vodafone to migrate WorldxChange's 5,000-plus business customers onto its network for integrated mobile, fixed, and IP services.[89] Beyond these, Vodafone New Zealand pursued smaller acquisitions and partnerships, such as integrating niche providers for enhanced enterprise tools, but no other transactions on the scale of ihug, TelstraClear, or WorldxChange were reported as pivotal to its core expansion post-1998.[90] These moves collectively shifted Vodafone from a mobile-centric operator toward a full-service telecom, prioritizing infrastructure synergies over aggressive market share grabs.[91]Network Infrastructure
Mobile Network Coverage and Technologies
One NZ's mobile network provides 4G and 5G coverage to over 99% of New Zealand's population, with signal available in 98.5% of locations where people live, work, and travel.[92][93] The network emphasizes rural penetration through low-frequency bands and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including 166 new or upgraded cell sites year-to-date as of October 2025, alongside extensions at 136 additional locations for enhanced 5G reach.[94][95] The company operates 4G LTE services across multiple frequency bands to balance coverage and capacity: 700 MHz (Band 28) for extended rural and indoor penetration, 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), and 2600 MHz (Band 7).[96][97] These enable widespread 4G access, with expansions targeting full population coverage by mid-2025 in remaining areas.[98] 5G services, initially launched in December 2019, utilize bands n8 (900 MHz), n7 (2600 MHz), and n78 (3500 MHz) for improved speeds and low latency in urban and select regional areas.[99][93] Deployment has accelerated through annual cell site builds and upgrades, such as 17 new sites in May 2025 and further expansions in subsequent months, focusing on cities and towns while integrating with existing 4G infrastructure.[100][101] Core network modernization with Ericsson, initiated in 2025, supports advanced 5G features like enhanced security and scalability.[35] Legacy 2G and 3G networks are scheduled for shutdown by December 31, 2025, redirecting spectrum to 4G and 5G for improved efficiency and capacity.[102] From late 2024, One NZ integrates satellite connectivity for direct-to-mobile texting and data in remote areas lacking terrestrial coverage, extending effective 4G/5G reach.[4] Independent benchmarks, such as Ookla's Speedtest report for the first half of 2025, rank One NZ as the leading mobile provider in New Zealand for download speeds, upload speeds, and consistency.[103]Fixed-Line and Broadband Infrastructure
One New Zealand's fixed-line infrastructure relies on access to the legacy copper network for traditional plain old telephone service (POTS) and digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies, with voice services increasingly delivered via voice over IP (VoIP) protocols over broadband connections. The copper network, primarily managed by Chorus as the default local loop provider, supports fixed-line telephony in areas not yet transitioned to fiber, though usage has declined amid the shift to mobile and IP-based calling. One NZ maintains interconnection with this network for call routing and numbering, but does not own the local copper loops, which trace back to pre-privatization Telecom assets separated in 2011.[104] For broadband delivery, One NZ utilizes a multi-technology approach, including asymmetric DSL (ADSL) and very-high-bit-rate DSL (VDSL) over copper, hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) cable in proprietary networks, and fiber access via the government-backed Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) program. ADSL, the oldest variant, operates entirely on twisted-pair copper from the local exchange, delivering typical download speeds of 10-20 Mbps and upload speeds under 1 Mbps, suitable only for basic internet in rural or underserved areas. VDSL improves on this by deploying fiber to neighborhood cabinets (FTTC), enabling copper runs of shorter distances for download speeds up to 70 Mbps and uploads to 10 Mbps, though performance degrades with line length and quality. These copper-based services, provided via wholesale access from Chorus, remain available where fiber is absent but face impending decommissioning, with Chorus planning to retire ADSL and VDSL nationwide by December 2026 to prioritize fiber migration.[105][106][107] One NZ's HFC infrastructure, spanning select urban areas including Wellington, Kapiti, and parts of the North Island, supports cable broadband and legacy TV services with download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps via coaxial drops from fiber-fed nodes. This network, over 10,000 km in core fiber backbone combined with HFC drops, originated from the 2012 acquisition of TelstraClear and enables lower-latency services compared to pure copper DSL, though coverage is limited to approximately 20% of households. HFC remains a competitive differentiator for One NZ in non-UFB zones, with maintenance costs embedded in service pricing to sustain signal quality and capacity upgrades.[108][109] The cornerstone of One NZ's modern broadband expansion is wholesale access to the UFB fiber-optic network, a public-private partnership initiated in 2011 to deploy gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) covering 87% of New Zealand's population by late 2022. One NZ retails UFB services with plans offering symmetric speeds from 50 Mbps to 900 Mbps or higher under "Fibre Max," leveraging optical network terminals (ONTs) at customer premises for reliable, low-contention connectivity. While local loop ownership resides with build partners like Chorus (covering 70% of UFB), Enable, and Tuatahi First Fibre, One NZ invests in backhaul, core routing, and edge infrastructure to ensure end-to-end performance, including over $1 billion in cumulative fixed-network capex since 2010. In August 2024, One NZ formalized EonFibre as a dedicated entity to manage and wholesale its dark fiber and conduit assets, targeting enterprise and hyperscaler demand for dedicated capacity beyond UFB retail tiers.[110][111][112]Satellite and Emerging Integrations
One NZ has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to integrate direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite technology into its mobile network, enabling connectivity in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage, such as remote rural zones and during emergencies. This collaboration, announced in April 2023 alongside the company's rebranding, positions One NZ as New Zealand's first satellite-powered mobile operator, leveraging low-Earth orbit satellites equipped with cellular payloads to bridge coverage gaps without requiring specialized hardware beyond compatible smartphones.[4][113] The initial rollout focused on satellite texting (One NZ Satellite TXT), launching nationwide on December 20, 2024, for users on eligible pay-monthly plans with VoLTE-capable devices like select recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models. This service supports two-way SMS and MMS, including photos, videos, and voice notes, provided there is an unobstructed sky view, and operates free of charge for qualifying customers. By July 2025, One NZ reported over 2 million messages transmitted via the service, supported by a full constellation of approximately 650 Starlink satellites ensuring nationwide reach, even in the most isolated locations.[114][115][116] In October 2025, amid widespread wild weather events, One NZ expanded satellite texting availability to all eligible customers, emphasizing its role in emergency communications by allowing texts to family or services like 111 for indirect aid requests when voice calls fail. For business applications, One NZ offers Starlink-powered enterprise broadband as a fixed satellite solution, delivering high-throughput connectivity to underserved sites, complementing its terrestrial fixed-line infrastructure.[117][118] One NZ's Satellite service (powered by Starlink) provides direct-to-cell connectivity for compatible mobile phones, enabling TXT/MMS and limited data on select approved apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Google Maps, Plan My Walk) in remote areas covering ~40% of New Zealand's landmass. It is suitable for hiking and outdoor use cases in areas without cell coverage, supporting navigation and safety apps. There are no specific hard data caps or deprioritization thresholds mentioned for this service. It is subject to One NZ's general Fair Use Policy, which addresses excessive or unreasonable usage that may impact the network, potentially leading to restrictions, suspension, or cancellation if breached after notice. Usage is limited to approved apps, requires clear sky view, and is not for in-motion use. No unique restrictions or additional data limits apply specifically to hiking.[4][119] Emerging integrations include the current availability of basic data services via satellite, enabling limited app usage in non-cellular areas, with future expansions to voice and higher-speed data pending regulatory approvals and satellite advancements. In June 2025, One NZ extended the partnership to an IoT network using Starlink, supporting off-the-shelf CAT-1 modules for device connectivity in remote monitoring scenarios like agriculture and environmental sensing, without initial hardware subsidies. These developments prioritize low-latency, resilient extensions to One NZ's 4G/5G core, addressing New Zealand's geographic challenges where over 20% of land remains uncovered by ground-based towers.[120][32]Services Portfolio
Mobile Services Details
One NZ provides mobile telephony services via postpaid Pay Monthly plans and prepaid options, leveraging its nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks, with 5G access included at no extra cost on all plans for compatible devices.[121][99] Pay Monthly plans commence at $40 per month and encompass unlimited calls and texts to standard New Zealand and Australian numbers, alongside unlimited hotspotting.[122][121] Key Pay Monthly variants include Endless data plans starting from $50 per month, featuring high-speed data until a threshold followed by reduced speeds of 1.2 Mbps, and the One Plan™ at $85 per month offering unlimited data at maximum speeds subject to fair use policies.[121] Companion plans allow up to three additional lines at reduced rates, such as $35 each when paired with a $70 primary Endless Plus plan.[121] All plans support 5G connectivity where coverage exists, with automatic fallback to 4G.[121] Prepaid services under Prepay Plus enable month-long commitments with data rollover on select packs, such as the Medium option at $22 providing 2 GB rollover data alongside calls and texts.[123] Daily Deals offer flexible add-ons for occasional use, while top-up flexibility suits variable needs.[123] Prepaid roaming extends to over 180 countries with automated rate connections.[124] Additional features across services include 250 minutes of calls and 50 texts to 20 international destinations, plus One NZ Satellite TXT/MMS for eligible devices and plans requiring sky line-of-sight.[121] Daily roaming packs for postpaid users provide data, calls, and texts akin to domestic use in over 200 destinations.[125] Network coverage spans 98.5% of locations where New Zealanders live, work, and recreate via 4G and 5G.[93] Independent benchmarks awarded One NZ the top mobile network position in New Zealand for 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year.[5]| Plan Type | Starting Price (NZD/month) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Monthly Endless | $50 | Unlimited calls/TXTs, hotspotting, high-speed data (throttled post-threshold), 5G |
| One Plan™ | $85 | Unlimited max-speed data (fair use), unlimited calls/TXTs, hotspotting, 5G |
| Prepay Plus Medium | $22 (top-up) | 2 GB rollover data, calls/TXTs, international roaming to 180+ countries |