Vodafone launches 4G – the world’s fastest mobile network technology – in parts of Taupo today.

Taupo is the second North Island location – and now the fifth in New Zealand – to have superfast access to content and information on the move.  Taupo now joins parts of Auckland, Christchurch, Lake Brunner, Queenstown and Wanaka to have superfast access to content and information on the move.

Russell Stanners, CEO of Vodafone New Zealand, says the launch of a commercial 4G network is great news for Taupo.

“4G has captured customers’ imaginations, with over 135,000 4G-capable devices now active on our network.  And with 4G available to around 75% of the Taupo population by the end of July, there’s even more opportunity for Taupo locals and visitors to experience the speed of 4G.

“We’re proud to be the first to bring 4G to Taupo.  Now you can use 4G when you’re trout fishing on the Lake, trying your luck at the Hole in One Challenge or simply enjoying a stroll around the town.”

Vodafone’s 4G network is up to 10 times faster than standard 3G services*, allowing customers to stream, download, upload, browse and game faster than ever before – and there are now over 120,000 4G-capable devices active on the Vodafone network.  Kiwis can download a book in less than a second; stream HD movies or download them in minutes, not hours; download an album in the time it takes for a single track on 3G; and quickly zoom around maps on a mobile or tablet.   And 4G delivers a near seamless connection to the cloud, allowing businesses to upload and download attachments in seconds, and load web pages instantly.

Vodafone offers the largest range of 4G-capable devices at a range of price points – 14 now, including the new Sony Xperia SP, BlackBerry Z10, HTC One, Samsung GALAXY S 4 and iPhone 5.

Kiwis wanting to experience the speed of 4G will need a 4G-capable device with the latest software, a qualifying plan and be in a 4G coverage area.  The device seamlessly switches to Vodafone’s next fastest 3G speeds when customers leave the 4G coverage area.

Vodafone customers can keep control of 4G data use with Vodafone’s exclusive Data Angel^® service.  Data Angel^®  alerts customers when they’re approaching their data allowance limit, and when their limit is reached – letting customers use their device freely while staying in control of how much they spend.

Vodafone’s 4G network build is being carried out in partnership with long-standing partner Nokia Siemens Networks – next stop Wellington.

Vodafone will roll out 4G to another13 cities by the end of December this year.