4G FAQs

4G LTE is "Fourth Generation" wireless technology allowing our mobile devices to perform even more advanced tasks and opens the door to a host of innovative high-speed services that have yet to be conceived.

If you like to game online or stream video, 4G will be ideal. If you connect a laptop via Mobile Broadband, 4G will make a huge difference. Pretty much anything involving large volumes of data will get a big boost from 4G LTE.

Why are you launching 4G LTE mobile data only?

LTE is currently a data technology, although in future releases it will deliver voice services as well. One of Telecom’s main drivers for introducing LTE is the explosion in data traffic- which is expected to continue into the future. We are therefore focusing on testing how the network will specifically handle data

When will 4G LTE be available in my area?

We will be rolling out 4G LTE to some of the smaller metro centres during 2014, and will be able to give firmer dates for when it will be available in the coming months.

Once 4G LTE is available, and you leave a 4G LTE coverage area you will automatically change to our existing HSPA+ network (and you will change to the capabilities of HSPA+).

What can I expect with 4G LTE?

In other international markets where LTE has been rolled out, people are experiencing speeds of over 5x faster than 3G. This means you can do the following:

Download a book in less than a second
Stream a half hour TV show in less than 5 seconds
Download an album in less than 3 seconds
Stream 2 hour movie online in less than 30 seconds (or download it in less than a minute and a half)

The purpose of the trials are to understand your experience of 4G LTE.

What types of speeds will I see on 4G LTE when it becomes available?

4G LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster than our current speeds on HSPA+ but many variables affect network speed including spectrum, location, time of day, and other network, device and environmental factors.

Overall, 4G LTE technology is expected to allow you to stream, download, upload, browse and game faster than ever before. LTE is the next step in the evolution of the Smartphone Network.

What are the benefits of the 4G LTE network for businesses?

4G LTE network promises much more than speed, it provides businesses the ability to work at significantly faster speeds and improved latency, increasing productivity and the opportunity to get work done wherever business takes them.

How do HSPA+ and LTE technologies provide a better mobile experience?

The Smartphone Network will have two layers of technology (HSPA+ and LTE) which will provide a consistent experience, where available. HSPA+ is available nationwide, while LTE will roll out progressively over time. We will continue to invest in our 3G network in parallel with our move to 4G, so our customers continue to have access to the best mobile services.

Will I need to get a new Smartphone when 4G LTE is rolled out?

If you would like to take advantage of the superfast speeds of 4G LTE, you will need a 4G capable device and be in a 4G coverage area. But, if you're happy with your current experience, then your Smartphone that you're using on the Smartphone Network will continue to work seamlessly.

Will I need to get a new SIM card or phone number for 4G LTE?

We are still working through what will be required by our customers to connect to 4G LTE.

Do you have any security concerns about choosing Huawei as a partner?

No we do not. We have extremely thorough agreements with all technology providers we engage and these include security and safeguarding access to our customers’ information. Huawei has built 73 LTE networks across 42 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and the technology it is bringing to our 4G LTE network is 12-18 months ahead of most of its competitors, and will bring some very exciting features for our customers in the future.

Why have you chosen Huawei?

Huawei have extensive experience building 4G LTE networks, having built 73 LTE networks in 42 countries. They are truly pushing the boundaries of LTE technology and were involved in our 4G LTE trials in Auckland and Rotorua earlier this year. We are excited to be partnering with a technology company that we believe will help us bring real benefits to our customers.