List of Mobile Operators in New Zealand


New Zealand, an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, has a competitive telecommunications sector with multiple mobile operators providing services to its population. Here, we will discuss the major mobile operators in New Zealand, the regulatory framework, and the current state of the industry:

  1. Spark New Zealand (formerly Telecom New Zealand):
    • Ownership: Spark New Zealand, formerly known as Telecom New Zealand, is a publicly-traded telecommunications company headquartered in Auckland. It is one of the largest and oldest telecommunications providers in the country.
    • Services: Spark offers a comprehensive range of mobile services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: Spark is one of the dominant mobile operators in New Zealand, serving a significant portion of the population.
  2. Vodafone New Zealand:
    • Ownership: Vodafone New Zealand is part of Infratil, a New Zealand-based infrastructure investment company, and Brookfield Asset Management, a global asset manager.
    • Services: Vodafone New Zealand provides mobile voice and data services, offering prepaid and postpaid plans, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: Vodafone New Zealand is a major player in the New Zealand mobile market, actively competing with other providers.
  3. 2degrees Mobile:
    • Ownership: 2degrees Mobile is a telecommunications company in New Zealand, jointly owned by Trilogy International Partners, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, and the Tesbrit Group.
    • Services: 2degrees Mobile offers mobile voice and data services, prepaid and postpaid plans, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: 2degrees Mobile has gained a significant market share and has brought competition to the New Zealand telecommunications market.
  4. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators):
    • Additional MVNOs: New Zealand has several MVNOs operating in the country, providing specialized services or targeting specific customer segments. These MVNOs lease network access from the major mobile operators to offer a variety of services.

The telecommunications industry in New Zealand is regulated by the New Zealand Commerce Commission (ComCom) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The regulatory framework ensures that operators comply with industry standards, compete fairly, and provide quality services to consumers. It also encourages investment in advanced technologies, including 5G, and the expansion of network infrastructure.

New Zealand has seen significant advancements in mobile data services, with operators expanding their 4G networks and deploying 5G technology. These developments are crucial for driving digital transformation, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the digital infrastructure of the country.

Competition among mobile operators and the MVNO sector has led to improved services, competitive pricing, network coverage expansion, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. The telecommunications sector plays a pivotal role in connecting people, businesses, and communities, fostering communication, and driving digital innovation in New Zealand.