If you’re on the hunt for a new mobile deal, there’s a range of different providers to choose from. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll quickly realise that they’re all using the same networks.
How many mobile phone networks are there in NZ?
There are just three main mobile networks in the country, which were built by 2degrees, Spark and One NZ (formerly Vodafone). Although 2degrees and Spark have since sold their tower assets, they still use the networks they built.
All mobile phone provider use these three networks. Outside the three big players, smaller operators, such as Kogan and Electric Kiwi, are known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), who pay for network access, which they package up and onsell to their customers.
Which network has the best mobile coverage?
General coverage
If you’re in a populated area, then all providers should offer plenty of coverage, as nearly every main urban area in the country is covered. While it can look like much of the country is without reliable mobile coverage (which is in many ways true) it’s important to note these areas are usually extremely remote.
However, overall, according to the latest Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report, the Spark network has the widest coverage across the country, followed by One NZ and then 2degrees. Marked out of ten, each network provider earns the following points for their general network coverage:
- Spark: 9/10
- One NZ: 8.2/10
- 2degrees: 7.7/10
5G coverage
Again, according to Opensignal, One NZ has the widest 5G coverage, sitting just ahead of Spark. Out of 10, each network provider earns the following points for their 5G network coverage. As you can see from the scores, the networks have a way to go before their 5G networks match their 4G coverage:
- One NZ: 3.8/10
- Spark: 3.7/10
- 2degrees: 3.0/10
Which mobile phone providers use each network?
Here’s a rundown of the networks and which other mobile phone providers use them:
Spark: used by Skinny
Network reaches 97.5% of New Zealanders (with 4G at around 97%). Spark’s network coverage map can be found here.
One NZ: used by Kogan Mobile, Mighty Mobile, Rocket Mobile
Network covers over 98.5% of the population (with 4G at over 96%). One NZ’s network coverage map can be found here.
2degrees: used by Kiwi Mobile and Warehouse Mobile
Network covers 98.5% of the places New Zealanders live and work (with 4G at over 96%). 2degrees’ network coverage map can be found here.
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About the author of this page
Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has +worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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