2degrees' 4G network now reaches more than half NZ's population

2degrees has completed the second stage of its 4G network rollout, bringing 4G network coverage to almost 60% of the NZ population over the past year.

The rollout complements 2degrees' national 3G coverage of more than 97% of the population, including a network of more than 900 cell sites.

Last year 2degrees brought 4G coverage to New Zealand's largest cities and towns, starting with Auckland, central Wellington, central Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui.

This year 2degrees has focused on bringing coverage to the larger cities, towns and regional areas of the country, bringing the benefits of 4G to more and more Kiwis.

2degrees' 4G network now includes greater Tauranga, Ashburton, Blenheim, Dunedin, Feilding, Gisborne, Hastings, Katikati, Kihikihi, Levin, Napier, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rangiora, Rotorua, Te Awamutu, Whangamata South, Whanganui and Whangarei.

2degrees' Chief Technology Officer Mike Davies says 2degrees has steadily rolled out 4G to the regions this year with a focus on delivering 4G network services to areas where demand is greatest and more towns will follow.

"The second stage of our rollout has been delivered and demand for 4G data is strong with 4G customers using 70% more data on average compared to those using 3G. We're continuing our 4G rollout across the country and new 2degrees customers can expect fantastic service and high data speeds."

2degrees will continue its 4G rollout with a further eight areas to come online by early 2016 including greater Christchurch, Cambridge, Huntly, Kapiti, Masterton, Motueka, Oamaru and Whakatane. These areas will bring 2degrees' 4G population coverage to almost 70%.

Access to 2degrees' 4G network is at no additional cost and operates with all existing 2degrees customers' data allocations.

To check coverage in your region visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz/coverage and for more information on 4G visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz/4g.