What about the iPhone 4 3G coverage in New Zealand?
It seems my previous posts on the iPad 3G coverage in New Zealand have hit something - a lot of people thought I was supporting one network operator or another. Not at all - it's just to let people know where they would get more from their new mobile device and why.
I urge people to read the first post in the series "Where can you get 3G coverage for your new Apple iPad in New Zealand" for a complete picture of 3G coverage and to understand what's at play here.
Now the good news: if you have plans to buy an iPhone 4 when it hits the local market this Friday, then you will have 3G almost everywhere, regardless of which mobile operator you decide to go with.
That's because the iPhone 4 works in all 3G frequencies currently available in New Zealand: 850MHz (Telecom XT), 900 MHz (Vodafone 3G Extended) and 2100 MHz (Vodafone 3G).
As per my previous posts, Telecom XT runs a single 850 MHz network.
Vodafone runs two 3G networks, complementing each other. Combined, Vodafone 3G (2100MHz) and Vodafone 3G Extended (900MHz).
Bot operators claim to cover 97% of the New Zealand population (or as they say "where people live, work, play").
Here is a comparison of 3G coverage you will get when using the Telecom XT (left) and Vodafone 3G/3G Extended networks (right):
Click the map for a bigger version. Make sure you visit both Telecom New Zealand 3G coverage map and Vodafone New Zealand 3G coverage map to see for yourself. When looking the Vodafone New Zealand map remember to check the 3G and 3G extended boxes to get the complete view.
Other related posts:
New Zealand cell site location maps
Broadband in New Zealand according to OECD
Did Twitter really take in consideration these DMCA notices?
Comment by harrylin, on 27-Jul-2010 15:26
Hard to believe that Vodafone has more coverage than telecom....... It looks way bigger than XT's
Maybe vodafone people just drew randomly on that coverage map??? Lol.
Comment by Linuxluver, on 27-Jul-2010 15:59
I have used my VFNZ phone with Telecom XT's "infill" 2100MHz coverage and I can keep a connection at home and at work on the North Shore. There are some quite large "pockets" around Auckland, at least, where relying on the one frequency would be viable as there is enough coverage.
Wellington is probably very different, with it's much more challenging topography. Auckland has hills, too, of course, but they aren't so close together as Wellingtons.
Comment by richms, on 27-Jul-2010 21:41
No, the 2100 telecom is not viable. Trying it out a while back (pre south of taupo meltdown) there were loads of places with no signal even out doors in auckland, and when it did work, it would drop out a lot.
Possibly ok as a 3g data connection when you are at certain cafes with coverage, no use as a phone etc.
In saying that, the 850 only T100 is useless at my house since I only seem to have working 2100 MHz XT in the house, and not a hell of a lot of it at that.
Comment by Steve, on 27-Jul-2010 23:04
Any idea if you guys will fair better than the UK in terms of stock? Most providers here have been putting handsets on back order since launch.
Comment by rupertbg, on 28-Jul-2010 13:44
RICHMS: Telecom didn't complete their 2100Mhz infill sites until quite late in 2009, so maybe you tested it before it was completed?
I have had a few friends use 2100Mhz phones as spares and get almost indentical coverage doing their thing around urban Wellington.
But MF is right, if you put voda and telecom 2100 side by side, it just wouldn't be a comparison (plus on maps that small.. you wouldn't be able to see Telecoms haha)
Telecom could have picked a better colour for the coverage map though... or got rid of the ocean.. it really doesn't do their boaty market any favours!
Comment by dubh, on 3-Aug-2010 10:52
I would love to see a similar map for 2 Degrees after today's announcement...
Comment by indiginz, on 9-Aug-2010 11:00
Morning, will we have the same 'drop out' issue they're having in the US with iPhone 4?
Comment by indiginz, on 12-Aug-2010 15:24
HI there, yes i need a froend to buy one first, let him test it out haha
Regards
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Comment by Buttonmash, on 27-Jul-2010 15:02
Don't forget Telecoms 2100MHz infill coverage in certain areas.