Here’s a quick-reference list of all the important mobile and network terms in case you wanted to know!
2G: Built in the early 1990s the 2G network is also known as 2nd generation. This is our original GSM network, which handles mobile calls only. We keep our original 2G network in great shape, and it works seamlessly with 3G and 4G for reliability and quality of service.
3G (standard 3G): Also known as 3rd generation, 3G refers to our fast mobile network that covers 97% of where Kiwis live, work and play. 3G provides mobile calls, mobile internet access, wireless voice telephony, fired wireless internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
Dual Carrier 3G (DC or DC-HSPA), 42 Meg: Technology that bonds two 3G channels together to provide a faster data session. It works like twin turbos on a car, doubling the speed at which data can be sent and received. Dual carrier 3G is available in many urban centres in New Zealand and works by combining two 3G channels (or "carriers") that operate at 21 Mbps (Megabits per second) download giving a total 42 Mbps. Actual speeds will vary depending on things like signal level, distance from the tower etc. 42Meg Dual Carrier (DC) requires a "Dual Carrier" device and is great for watching HD video clips and speeding up the mobile internet experience.
4G: Known as 4th generation or LTE, 4G is a high speed mobile data connection for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It provides almost instantaneous web page loading, faster photo viewing on Facebook and streaming media experiences without the wait. And if you're a business customer it means smooth video conferencing, seamless connection to the cloud, and no delays when using hosted applications. 4G launched in parts of Auckland in February 2013 and is being rolled out across the country.
U900: 3G on the 900MHz frequency band - used for rural and marine areas, where there's a greater distance between cell sites. It also provides better indoor 3G coverage.
U2100: 3G on the 2100MHz frequency band - used for urban areas, where every cell site has more traffic to manage.
Sure Signal: Sure Signal is a device that boosts indoor 3G mobile phone signal. It's great for Vodafone customers who suffer from 'low bars' at home or work.
UFB: Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) is a New Zealand government initiative to deliver fast broadband internet access, using fibre, to 75% of the population over a 10-year period. The aim is a minimum speed of 100 Mbps downloading and 50 Mbps uploading. You can get more information at http://www.vodafone.co.nz/fibre-optic-broadband/about/
