Ahead of the scheduled Q1 2022 customer launch, the 2degrees 5G network, has been switched on in central Auckland and Wellington for testing and optimisation.
As part of a rollout that will see contiguous 5G coverage across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch initially, the network is humming at speeds that will shake up the market and new sites are coming on-line every week.
2degrees’ strategic approach to network design and build, combines upgrading cell sites with brand new Ericsson 3G, 4G, and 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment with upgrading the core network. This programme of work has been underway for over two years and builds on the $1billion already spent on the network.
2degrees plans to launch the 2degrees 5G network with up to 100 sites on air, and the operator will continue to turn on additional sites throughout 2022 as we build out the network across our main cities. One of the many benefits to mobile customers will be the creation of a contiguous 5G experience in areas where there is highest demand and uptake. As the network build radiates out from the city centres in a planned manner, over time, customers will experience continual 5G connectivity as they move across the city.
Over 100 network, IT, and civil engineers, technicians, testers, and project managers have been part of the largest technology upgrade undertaken since 2degrees launched in 2009. It’s projects like these, which are essential for keeping Kiwis connected, that truly demonstrate what is achievable during challenging times.
2degrees CTO Martin Sharrock
5G has now been enabled for test and optimisation purposes in Auckland and Wellington. The 2degrees team is gathering valuable data on network and device performance, upload and download speeds, latency and handovers. Early test results have demonstrated speeds over 1Gbps. Work has also begun in Christchurch with the first 5G sites due online for testing in December.
