Vodafone New Zealand has completed its extension of the 3G network to 97% of the places New Zealanders live work and play. This expansion makes it the first 3G network to reach so many New Zealanders.

The company says already half a million New Zealanders are benefiting from its 3G network which has been in place since 2005.

Vodafone recently introduced changes in their mobile data plans, with introduction of $1/10MB a day options for casual users, and $10/100MB a month for prepay and on account users who could use a bit of mobile data but don't want to sign up for a bigger data plan.

Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer, Ken Tunnicliffe, says Vodafone is delighted to be able to extend the reach of its 3G network to 97% of the population.

“Since we first launched our 3G network in 2005, we’ve been continually improving the products and services offered to our customers. Now we’ve extended those products and services to the majority of the country’s population a year ahead of schedule – something we’re really proud of.”

Vodafone has invested nearly NZ$3 billion in New Zealand, continually improving and extending its network through a progression of technology evolutions. Their 3G network consists of 2100MHz sites in the main centres, with extension using the 900 MHz spectrum, which offers greater coverage in more sparsely populated areas.

Vodafone announced it would extend its 3G network footprint to match its 2G network in July 2008. Since then engineers and technicians have been working round the clock to deliver faster speeds in more places around the country.

“Our customers always push us to deliver more and Vodafone is delighted to be able to say today you can watch Sky Mobile TV, listen to over two million songs and surf the net from your mobile throughout the country” says Tunnicliffe.