Vodafone to switch on 5G network this year

11:13 am on 1 August 2019

Telecommunications company Vodafone says it will switch on its 5G network in December.

Logo of Vodafone.

Photo: 123RF

The company's announcement coincides with today's completion of the sale of the New Zealand company to utilities investment company Infratil, and Canadian investment firm Brookfield.

They bought the business from Vodafone's British parent for $3.4 billion.

"5G is so much more than the successor to 4G," Vodafone chief executive Jason Paris said.

"It's our most powerful tool yet, representing a transformational shift that will drive a digital revolution and make New Zealanders' lives and businesses better, smarter and more productive."

Vodafone will begin the rollout of 5G in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Spark was also working on the rollout of a 5G network, but had not announced a date for the launch.

"This announcement demonstrates Infratil and Brookfield's commitment to invest in New Zealand's future, and is the first of many initiatives that will show that we are 100 percent focussed on delivering world class experiences for all Vodafone customers and for New Zealand," Mr Paris said.

Vodafone's international business recently rolled out 5G in Britain, Italy, Spain and Germany.

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