What you need to be 5G ready, set, go!
5G coverage
5G is live in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
5G phone
Available from Vodafone or Noel Leeming.
5G ready plans
Go 5G on us until 30 June 2021. Then $10 Add-On per month.
Where is 5G available?
5G is now live and available in selected locations across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Only on Vodafone.
Vodafone NZ launched its 5G mobile network on December 10, 2019.
Vodafone NZ launched its 5G mobile network on December 10, 2019.
Want to enjoy 5G now?
Check out these new 5G capable phones
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro. Superfast 5G. A14 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone. Pro camera system for next-level low-light photography. It’s a beautiful leap forward.
Buy for me Buy for my business
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 pushes everything forward with superfast 5G. A14 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone. A new dual-camera system. And a beautiful Super Retina XDR display, so you can see everything in vivid detail.
Buy for me Buy for my business
Buy for me Buy for my business
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra will change the way you work and play, with powerful performance and speed, combined all-day battery life and super-fast charging.
Buy for me Buy for my business
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Get maxed out performance and experience with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Featuring a 6.9-inch state-of-the-art AMOLED 2X screen and a powerful camera taking 108-megapixel photos and 8K ultra-high definition video.
Buy for me Buy for my business
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
Your Galaxy S20+ isn't just smart, it's incredibly intelligent. Faster scrolling, clearer video and more responsive interactions with a 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X screen.
Buy for me Buy for my business
Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
Open up a whole new world of next-generation speed. Stream faster, charge quicker and game with less lag and stunningly rich graphics.
Buy for me Buy for my business
OPPO Find X2 Pro 5G
OPPO Find X2 Lite 5G
Uncover eye-catching design with the sleek and luxurious Find X2 Lite 5G.
Buy for me Buy for my business
What makes 5G better?
5G is a network that's faster, smarter and more reliable in every way.
Increased network capacity
5G will keep more people online, more often, using beamforming technology. This means staying connected, at higher speeds, even in a crowd.
Even faster speed
With increased channels, mobile network speeds will be faster than ever, allowing higher streaming, faster gaming and more real-time connectivity.
Lower network latency
5G will have under 20 milliseconds of latency, making it lightning-fast for gaming & streaming plus exceptionally responsive for business applications.
5G. Some are calling it an exponential leap forward in speed, reliability and connectivity – the biggest innovation in communication for over a decade. But what does this actually mean for you?
It means things are going to change. Life is about to become smarter, safer, more efficient, more reliable than ever; in ways most of us can’t even imagine.
Vodafone Group has already launched 5G networks in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and in Italy. Since then, people have already begun to experience world-changing innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, automobiles, transport, agriculture, gaming, media and entertainment. Today, Vodafone NZ has launched New Zealand's first 5G mobile network, now available in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
So if you want to be the first to try life to the power of 5G, come with us, Vodafone. Together, let’s see what 5G can do.
5G around the world
Being part of a global network, Vodafone has been helping customers explore the life-changing potential of 5G in the UK and multiple countries across Europe.
UK’s first live holographic call using 5G
Watch England women’s football captain Steph Houghton appear as a live 3D hologram via 5G to share some football tips with a fan.
See a blind skier conquer the slopes
Watch a blind skier make her first ever slope descent aided only by real-time instructions from her instructor over 5G.
Frequently asked questions
Why has the date for the 5G add-on changed from 1 July 2020 to 1 July 2021?
At the time we set the date of 1 July 2020 for introducing a 5G premium, there was still some uncertainty around spectrum allocation and further device launches. With COVID-19 there has been some supply chain delays, as well as a delay to the spectrum early auction – however we remain committed to bringing 5G and next generation mobile tech to NZ and we felt extending the period for free 5G was a good way to reward loyal customers, at a time when discretionary spend is tight. Ensuring we invest in a 5G future longer-term is even more important, as we need to deliver the best possible connectivity services to our customers.
How can I access 5G?
You will need a 5G phone from Vodafone, a 5G ready plan (all 4G capable plans) and be in a 5G coverage area. 5G is live in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, and we will continue to roll out 5G to more New Zealanders, so keep an eye out on the coverage map.
How much will I pay for 5G?
From 10 December 2019 until 30 June 2021, all existing Vodafone customers on a 5G ready plan (4G capable mobile plan) and any new customers who join us during that period, will get access to 5G at no extra cost. To access 5G from 1 July 2021, you will need to purchase a 5G add-on for $10 per connection per month including GST (or when your Prepay bundle renews).
Why is there a charge for 5G?
5G is our premium network. It’s the best mobile quality you can get and Vodafone is committed to continually investing in rolling 5G network out to New Zealand. Our goal by 2025 is to have 5G in 90% of places where New Zealanders live, work and play. In addition to this, we are also upgrading 4G cell sites to 4.5G throughout the country. We believe $10 per month is a fair reflection of the additional value 5G can deliver for our customers, and just like any other business offering, for customers who want premium there is a cost to enjoy this.
Is 5G for me?
5G may be right for you from day one if you live or work in an area with 5G coverage and want to enjoy the benefits of the fastest mobile network speeds, next to no lag, greater network capacity and reliability, even when it’s busy. You can take advantage of 5G access at no extra cost until 30 June 2021 with Vodafone - all you need is a 5G capable phone from Vodafone on a 5G ready plan and be in an area with 5G coverage.
How can I tell if my plan is 5G ready?
A 5G ready plan is a plan that will enable you to access 5G when the network is live. All 4G capable plans (including all our current in market Personal and Business plans) are 5G ready. If you signed up to your plan in the last 2 years, then your plan is 5G ready.
You can also check if your plan if 4G capable by looking in the notification bar (usually on the top section of your screen). If you can see “4G”, it means your plan is 4G capable and therefore 5G ready.
You can also check if your plan if 4G capable by looking in the notification bar (usually on the top section of your screen). If you can see “4G”, it means your plan is 4G capable and therefore 5G ready.
What’s the difference between a 5G ready plan and having 5G access?
A 5G enabled/ 5G ready plan is any current 4G capable mobile plan, if you signed up to your plan in the last 2 years, then your plan is 5G enabled, or 5G ready. To access the benefits of 5G you need to be on a 5G ready mobile plan, with a 5G phone from Vodafone, in a 5G coverage area. You will experience 5G access at no extra cost until 30 June 2021 and then you’ll just need to let us know (closer to the time) if you want to remain using 5G which will be a $10 (incl GST) add-on, per month.
How much data will I use on 5G? Do I need to be on a plan with unlimited data?
With much faster speeds, you will be able to use a lot more data on 5G. At launch, speeds will range between 150-200Mbps on average and it is likely you will use more data on a 5G connection. If you are on a capped plan, we recommend you upgrade to a plan with unlimited data, so that you don’t run out of data.
Will 5G work on my current phone?
Current 4G phones are not 5G capable. You will need to buy a new 5G phone.
What 5G phones are available with the launch of 5G?
Two different 5G phones were available to buy when 5G was launched in 2019, the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, and the Galaxy A90 5G. Now, there are two new 5G phones available, the Galaxy S20+ 5G, and the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G.
More 5G phones will be released during 2020, however, we do not have specific release dates from manufacturers such as Apple, Huawei, etc.
You can buy a Vodafone approved 5G phone from Vodafone NZ and other selected retailers.
More 5G phones will be released during 2020, however, we do not have specific release dates from manufacturers such as Apple, Huawei, etc.
You can buy a Vodafone approved 5G phone from Vodafone NZ and other selected retailers.
Will Vodafone be selling any Apple or Huawei 5G phones at the launch of 5G?
No, at this stage we are awaiting more information from both Apple and Huawei on when they will release 5G versions of their phones in New Zealand.
I live outside of the areas where 5G will be available at launch, should I buy a 5G phone now?
Over the next few years we will be rolling out 5G to 90% of the places that Kiwi’s live, work and play. If you are already thinking about buying a new phone, then buying a 5G phone will be a way to futureproof your phone, so you don’t need to buy a new one again in the near future when 5G becomes available in your area.
We cannot guarantee dates of when 5G will be rolled out to specific areas, but will continually provide updates on the 5G roll out.
We cannot guarantee dates of when 5G will be rolled out to specific areas, but will continually provide updates on the 5G roll out.
Can I use a 5G phone that was bought outside of New Zealand or parallel imported, to access Vodafone NZ’s 5G network?
We cannot guarantee that overseas/parallel imported phones will work on the Vodafone 5G network. We recommend that you buy a Vodafone approved 5G phone from Vodafone NZ or other selected retailers. Vodafone-approved handsets are fully tested and compatible with the full suite of Vodafone NZ services.
When will 5G start to roll out around New Zealand?
We began rolling out 5G in major urban centres from December 2019.
Which areas will get 5G first?
5G is now live in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. You can use our coverage map to check if 5G is available where you live, work or play.
When will I be able to get 5G in my area?
5G is now live in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Over the next few years we’re going to be launching 5G in many of the places that Kiwi’s live, work and play, so keep an eye out on the coverage map, as we will be updating it as more places go live with 5G.
Our goal is to bring 5G coverage to 90% of New Zealanders within 3 to 5 years.
We cannot guarantee dates of when 5G will be rolled out to specific areas, but will continually provide updates on the 5G roll out
Our goal is to bring 5G coverage to 90% of New Zealanders within 3 to 5 years.
We cannot guarantee dates of when 5G will be rolled out to specific areas, but will continually provide updates on the 5G roll out
How fast is 5G?
At launch, speeds will range between 150-200Mbps on average, and reduce latency to a round trip in under 20 milliseconds. As we get more spectrum and build out the 5G network, speeds will increase and will eventually have the potential to be up to 10x faster than 4G.
What does latency mean, and why does 5G reduce latency?
We experience latency as responsiveness. For example, after entering a web address, does the page load straight away or are you left drumming your fingers? On a network with lower latency like 5G, content could load in a few milliseconds, compared to 4G.
What about 4G?
It's important to remember that our 4G network and 5G network will co-exist in the future, just like 4G and 3G co-exist today. So we are continuing to invest significantly in our 4G network and upgrading many 4G sites to 4.5G. That means Vodafone customers will have a consistently awesome experience. And wherever you are, you can get access to the best available network experience from Vodafone.
Is this really 5G – or more like 4.5G or 4.9G?
Vodafone is rolling out 5G, according to 5G standards (based on 3GPP Release 15). This standard defines the 5G New Radio interface (5G NR), operating in a non-standalone mode i.e. using 4G as the anchor network. It is GSMA R15 5G compliant and as rolled out in other world leading markets.
We’re launching 5G in the most popular global spectrum band (3.5GHz). This technology will form the foundation upon which we will build our 5G network through 2020 and beyond – and has been tested in live international networks including Vodafone Italy (which launched 5G in June).
Due to mobility management and 4G/5G carrier aggregation features, our customers will move seamlessly between networks.
We’re launching 5G in the most popular global spectrum band (3.5GHz). This technology will form the foundation upon which we will build our 5G network through 2020 and beyond – and has been tested in live international networks including Vodafone Italy (which launched 5G in June).
Due to mobility management and 4G/5G carrier aggregation features, our customers will move seamlessly between networks.
Can I use 5G when I am roaming overseas?
5G is currently not available when roaming overseas. However, we will be looking to make 5G roaming available as soon as we can in the more than 100 destinations we currently offer roaming to our customers.
When roaming overseas, you will able to use 4G just as you do now
When roaming overseas, you will able to use 4G just as you do now
Will the 5G network support eSIM capability?
As part of our 5G ecosystem rollout, we will be integrating eSIM capability for eligible phones and cellular wearables (eg smartwatches) in 2021. This will open up enhanced possibilities for what you can do with your device.
If you want to stay up to date on our eSIM launch, you can register your interest here.
If you want to stay up to date on our eSIM launch, you can register your interest here.
Is 5G safe to use?
Yes, 5G is safe. The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation offer factual information on their websites. Over 30 years of research has been done on the effects of radio waves from mobile phones and there are no known negative health impacts.
Learn more about 5G and health.
Learn more about 5G and health.
What is the difference between 5G mobile and fixed wireless broadband?
Vodafone is building a national 5G network, which includes upgrading cell sites around New Zealand. This will mean that we can offer 5G connectivity via a range of devices.
From December 2019, New Zealanders will be able to buy 5G enabled phones using the Vodafone 5G mobile network.
In 2020, we expect to offer a fixed wireless solution which means we can offer broadband to businesses and homes via a 5G router, as an alternative to cabled broadband access.
We recently showed Kiwis the potential of fixed wireless broadband via a trial at Wellington Airport. Read more here
From December 2019, New Zealanders will be able to buy 5G enabled phones using the Vodafone 5G mobile network.
In 2020, we expect to offer a fixed wireless solution which means we can offer broadband to businesses and homes via a 5G router, as an alternative to cabled broadband access.
We recently showed Kiwis the potential of fixed wireless broadband via a trial at Wellington Airport. Read more here