Wi-Fi facts
New Zealanders are increasingly using mobile devices such as smart phones, laptops, cameras, and tablets to stay connected. This means that the use of Wi-Fi is increasing.
Wi-Fi can operate on radio frequencies at either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The use of Wi-Fi in New Zealand is permitted on a number of frequencies and doesn’t need to be individually licensed. These frequencies are classified as “General User Radio Licences” (GURLS) and anyone in New Zealand is allowed to use them without paying a licence fee.
Most older Wi-Fi enabled equipment operates on 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz enabled equipment has only recently become predominant in the market place, meaning there is less 5 GHz equipment deployed in New Zealand.
The increased density of Wi-Fi use in urban areas may cause users to experience slow Wi-Fi, especially if using 2.4 GHz equipment. Using 5 GHz capable devices may help to improve the speed and quality of your Wi-Fi.
If you wish to have protection for a specific use of the radio spectrum an individual radio licence for other frequencies might suit your needs.
Technical details of Wi-Fi use in New Zealand
General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices
For Wi-Fi devices that operate 2.4 GHz and 5GHz
General User Radio Licence for fixed link devices
For Wi-Fi devices that operate at 5.8 GHz for point-to-point operation
