This is the top of the main content
Preparing for 5G in New Zealand
5G is anticipated to significantly improve data speed and capacity for conventional mobile and fixed wireless broadband networks, as well as providing opportunities for new emerging markets.
On this page
About 5G
5G is the next generation of mobile communication technology. The potential use cases for 5G systems can be grouped into:
- enhanced mobile broadband
- massive machine type communications (the internet of things), and
- ultra-reliable and low latency communications.
The deployment of these networks is expected to begin internationally in 2020.
October 2022 update
In October 2022, the Government announced it was intending to provide long-term access to the 3.5 GHz spectrum band through a direct allocation process. The direct allocation process was selected to accelerate availability of 5G to small towns across New Zealand and leverage the existing capability of New Zealand’s 3 major Mobile Network Operators (Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees) and shared network infrastructure provider Dense Air.
Subject to contract negotiations, the direct allocation process will see the market value of this spectrum be delivered through:
- Faster availability of 5G to small towns across New Zealand.
- Further investment in rural connectivity.
The details of this long-term allocation will continue to be worked through over the coming months as the Crown negotiates final contracts with the parties involved, with the arrangement remaining subject to satisfactory final terms. Management Rights are ordinarily provided for a 20 year term.
Short term rights (which were set to expire on 31 October 2022) will be extended from 1 November 2022 until 30 June 2023. This allows the continued roll-out of 5G and provides continuity for regional services.
Māori will also receive spectrum in this band, as per the agreement that the Crown signed with the Māori Spectrum Working Group in February this year.
Read the Minister's press release:
Kiwis to benefit from accelerated 5G roll-out(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz
August 2021 update
Consultation for the planning of 3.3 GHz band for non-national broadband use
RSM is consulting on the future use of the 3.3-3.41 GHz band. It is proposed that the 3.3-3.4 GHz band is allocated for broadband services by way of long-term, regional or local rights. This consultation seeks feedback from stakeholders on the proposal and on the relevant technical parameters, band plans and authorisation mechanisms.
3.3 GHz band use in New Zealand
April 2021 update
Consultation for the planning of 24 – 30 GHz
5G needs spectrum across low, mid and high spectrum bands to deliver widespread coverage and support a wide range of use cases. Following the mid band spectrum planning in 2019, RSM is now planning the high band spectrum (26 GHz and 28 GHz) for 5G.
24 – 30 GHz use in New Zealand
July 2020 update
In June 2020, the following offers for early access to spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band were made:
| Company | Spectrum allocation | Frequency | Price (excl. GST)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dense Air | 40 MHz | 3 590-3 630 MHz | $ 500,000.00 |
| Spark | 60 MHz | 3 630-3 690 MHz | $ 750,000.00 |
| 2degrees | 60 MHz | 3 690-3 750 MHz | $ 750,000.00 |
*less any discount for returned spectrum in the 3.5GHz band
May 2020 update
In May 2020, the Auction for short-term, early access rights in the 3.5 GHz band for 5G services (Auction 20) was cancelled. This was due to the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, a direct allocation process will be undertaken. Offers will be made of 40 MHz to Dense Air, 60 MHz to Spark, and 60 MHz to 2degrees.
January 2020 update
In January 2020, the Government released details on the auction for short-term rights in the 3.5 GHz band for 5G.
View the details of auction 20
December 2019 announcement
In December 2019 the Government gave the go ahead to enable further development of 5G networks by making appropriate spectrum available.
Cabinet approved the allocation of short-term rights to an unused portion of 3.5 GHz spectrum.
3.5GHz is the first spectrum band to be allocated for 5G services. Short-term rights will run from mid-2020 to 31 October 2022.
The decisions made also provide an opportunity for Māori interests in radio spectrum.
Long-term rights to 3.5 GHz spectrum are still on track to begin in November 2022 and details of this allocation will continue to be developed.
Read the full press release on the Beehive website.
Government enables early access to 5G spectrum(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz
Cabinet paper — Early access to the 5G radio spectrum [PDF 312KB](external link) — Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
Consultation for Technical Arrangements of the 3.5 GHz Band
Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is consulting on the technical principles for future spectrum users in the spectrum range of 3410 – 3800 MHz (the ‘3.5 GHz band’). The current management rights in the 3.5 GHz band will expire by 31st October 2022. We are in the process of re-planning this band. These proposed rules and associated technical arrangements will only come into effect when the new management rights are created.
View the consultation document
February 2019 announcement
In February 2019, the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media announced that the 3.5 GHz band will be allocated for national 5G networks. Spectrum rights will be allocated by auction in 2020 and ready for use from November 2022.
Spectrum in the band will also be available to regional wireless broadband service providers. Allocation details of these regional spectrum rights are expected to be announced later this year.
5G on track for 2020: 3.5 GHz spectrum the first available(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz
Cabinet paper — Allocation of Radio Spectrum for 5G mobile [PDF 903 KB](external link)
5G information pack
This 5G information pack includes information on the regulations and standards involved in the 5G roll-out, along with links to existing government information including from the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.
5G information pack [PDF 443 KB(external link) — Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
2018 Consultation
In March 2018, we asked for feedback on the possible 5G spectrum bands, their future allocation and on any other barriers to the roll out of 5G in New Zealand.
View the consultation discussion document and submissions received:
Preparing for 5G in New Zealand — technical consultation
2017 workshops
Industry workshops were held in October 2017 to better understand how 5G is expected to be deployed and used in New Zealand. You can view the workshop presentation in the document below.