Thread: New To NZ - Mobile phone coverage

Hey everyone,

My partner and I just moved to Taupo (from Australia) and need to get NZ mobile phone contracts organised.

Of the three main mobile providers (Spark, One NZ and 2 Degrees) which would provide us with the best coverage whilst out hunting in the bush / tops around Taupo / Waikato? I've just been researching online, it looks like the One NZ partnership with Space X might just be the better option?

Cheers

Sauer

I am with Spark and don't need to get very far of the main roads to loose connection, and they claim to have the best coverage so Space X might be the way to go.

Well probably about the same for all, however One are the brand trialling the satellite texting through Starlink so that might sway your thinking. Just hope they have improved their customer service since rebranding from Vodafone.

Personally I'm with 2D and have been for many years, probably since they started and I always carry my PLB regardless even on the last day walk I did where I could still see my house. I wear it on a belt that sits above any hip belt and got into the habit of always putting it on.

Each provider has a coverage map on their website. It would be worth having a look and seeing who has the best coverage in the places you plan to be the most

Don't believe the coverage map as it is averaged over entire areas not one specific place in an area. Averaged out most of the main providers coverage zones are fairly similar. An example of an area where the coverage doesn't match is 1NZ at my place, coverage map shows good coverage but in real life we are in a dip and shielded from direct sight of the tower and struggle for 1 bar.

The 1NZ and Starlink setup is still a bit of a pipe dream, be good if it comes and it works as promised, but I suspect it will be a lot longer in arriving than we might think, cost a lot more and not be as accessible as we would hope/expect as in some places in dense bush I struggle to get 4G but it's fine once I pop out into farmland next door. The loss of 3G will be something I feel more than those who reside in cities I think. Satellite comms promises a lot, but like some of the early sat phones where you had to stand on one foot like an idiot with your tongue in the corner of your mouth for it to work I suspect we will find it is not a replacement for PLB and other comms options.

Another idea for what it is worth but you can have both One NZ and Spark networks active on the same phone or have a network each, then you at least get what coverage there is.
I have recently went to having both networks on my iPhone. Company pays for main one, I pay minimum to have the backup. I had put it off for ages but went in, took 5 mins and so far no issues. Of course I now have another number so updated contact details and sent to family only.

I'm on onenz, if you can see the lake from the tops you will have coverage

However at ground level the minute you are away from a Sate High way expect to loose coverage,
And in northland you can drop calls over every ridge on SH1,
Nb. This is true for all networks.
Z

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

I'm on onenz, if you can see the lake from the tops you will have coverage

However at ground level the minute you are away from a Sate High way expect to loose coverage,
And in northland you can drop calls over every ridge on SH1,
Nb. This is true for all networks.
Z

Thanks mate. I went into OneNZ yesterday and was talking to them about the partnership with Space X...... should resolve a lot of issues over the coming months

oneNZ without a doubt as per my last post

Nb. I don't see starlink /onenz as a replacement for a PLB just yet.
Z

Originally Posted by SAUM

oneNZ without a doubt as per my last post

I talked to a guy the other day - I tend to prefer 3rd party supplied phones as I use at times all networks and try to run weatherproof or life-resistant phones with the industry I worked in. I asked if they have any locking on the setup so you can't just bang a 1NZ sim into any compatible phone - they wouldn't confirm as no info apart from they only test what they supply. Might be a point to think about.

As others have suggested, it's a possible another comms method for me at this point - will not replace PLB etc.

Touch wood li've parallel imported my last 3 phones current one being a Nokia/HMD XR20, Mill spec ruggedish , 30min at 1.5 mtr under water, multiple drops from X height etc. One catch is they often come with a funny power point adaptor, works but can be a pain, however many phones are now just coming with a USB cord.
Z

All electronic rechargeable stuff is going to be USB-C as the standard worldwide even Apple have been forced to ditch their non standard fitting