A year in the fast lane: 4G adoption accelerates

Media Release

28 February, 2014

A year in the fast lane: 4G adoption accelerates

•          177% increase in 4G customers over the last six months

•          Significant growth in 4G prepay base: over 30,000 since plans launched (8 weeks)

•          Vodafone 4G population coverage to exceed 2.5 million by end of April

•          4G available at 48 locations by April

•          Total data use across the Vodafone network grew by 70% between July 2013 and January 2014; 4G data use quadrupled

•          60% of Vodafone’s device portfolio is 4G-capable

Vodafone New Zealand has attracted more than 300,000 Kiwis onto its 4G-enabled plans since launching the country’s first superfast mobile broadband service – one year ago today. 

Take up of 4G is being driven by rocketing demand for mobile data.  The average 4G customer uses twice as much data as a 3G customer on Vodafone’s network: users are intuitively taking advantage of the faster speeds – and enjoying it, with video and music streaming and social media driving the increase.  

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says 4G has changed the way we use our mobiles.

“Our 4G launch last year marked a new era for mobile users, allowing consumers and businesses to do much more on the move.

“Kiwis are consuming content on the go, and watching TV on tablets for convenience. Our customers’ early adoption of the SKY GO app, for example, demonstrates the importance of a fast, reliable network.

“Rapid adoption has been driven by the widespread availability of the service – which now reaches 36 locations around New Zealand – as well as the introduction of affordable and innovative pricing plans. 

Matt continues: “We’re incredibly proud of being the first New Zealand operator to bring 4G to New Zealand, and we’re not slowing down.  This year, our network priority is to deliver the benefits of superfast mobile to more of New Zealand – and innovative ways for our customers to make the most of their 4G experience.”

Technology Commentator, Bill Bennett, says 4G is more than just a mobile data speed bump.

“It opens the door to applications and devices that weren't previously practical or productive. We're only just starting to make real use of its potential – I can see it becoming the most important communications channel in our lives. 

“Apart from anything else it means we can use the fast broadband services we're now used to on our home or office links while we're on the move. That makes us less location dependent, more productive and better connected with the people who matter most to us.”

Since launching in February 2013, Vodafone has led the way with the rollout of superfast 4G across New Zealand.  4G goes live in Dunedin, Hastings, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, Rotorua and Whangarei by the end of April.

Vodafone offers the largest range of 4G-capable devices at a range of price points – 29 now, including the recently launched BlackBerry Q5, Samsung S4 Active, HTC One Mini and Apple iPad Air.  

Vodafone 4G is included free on Red, On Account and Prepay plans, starting from $19.

For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.co.nz/4g-lte-phones/ 

ENDS

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