Vodafone data during COVID-19 lockdown

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › Vodafone data during COVID-19 lockdown

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#268612 28-Mar-2020 13:18

Received today:

Voice calls spiked to more than 70% above usual levels on Monday afternoon – but now sit at around 60% higher than usual levels
Mobile data spiked to 50% higher than usual peaks – and overall traffic is now generally sitting at approx. 20% higher than usual.
On broadband, we’re seeing internet traffic increase by around 32% compared to normal levels
Rural customers yesterday were offered unlimited data between midnight-9am starting last night, and we saw a 40% increase in data during this time on the first day!
VodafoneTV viewing sitting at 20% above usual levels

Overall we’re seeing massive increases in data and voice traffic. To provide an analogy, if the internet was a road we’re seeing anywhere between 20-70% more cars join the highway all at once! But our network is built to handle traffic peaks, and we’re doing all we can to keep New Zealanders connected.

Phone calls rise to levels unseen in recent times

Voice calls spiked to more than 70% above usual levels on Monday afternoon – which is unprecedented in recent times. This caused industry-wide congestion issues and our technology team has been working incredibly hard alongside other telcos to fix the problems, which were mainly caused during the transfer process of connecting calls between networks.

Phone calls on the Vodafone network continue to sit at around 60% higher than usual levels – as people check in with friends and extended family, plus workers switch to conference calls to continue operating.

We’ve put a range of new measures in place to shore up our phone networks to keep up with this new pace of demand. Thankfully, we completed our nationwide investment in new technology to support voice calls, or 4G Calling via VoTLE, in January, which also puts Vodafone customers in a good position going forward.

Data traffic increases significantly

We’re seeing massive spikes in data use, particularly when major government announcements are being streamed live.

On both Monday and Tuesday, we saw mobile data spike to 50% higher than usual peaks – and overall traffic is now generally sitting at approx. 20% higher than usual. Likewise on broadband, we’re seeing internet traffic increase by around 32% compared to normal levels, particularly during the evening peaks when video streaming becomes even more popular.

Last year, in preparation for increased streaming around the Rugby World Cup, we brought forward millions of dollars in investment meaning the Vodafone network is well-placed to cope with these increased demands. For example last night (Friday), when the online game Call of Duty released an update, Gbps data throughput almost doubled (+100%) on the Akamai CDN.

We have spare capacity in our networks, but we ask Kiwis to please be kind. That means that if there are minor, intermittent outages like we experienced this week, please be patient as we have hundreds of technical experts on standby 24/7, ready to spring into urgent remedial action if needed.

Video platforms take steps to help reduce data

On Wednesday, it was reported that Netflix, Google-owned YouTube and Amazon Prime would be taking steps to reduce the amount of data consumed by their video streaming platforms. We welcome these initiatives and thank the industry for their support.

With VodafoneTV viewing sitting at 20% above usual levels, we’re in no doubt that video content will continue to be popular with New Zealanders looking for at-home entertainment options over the long weeks ahead.

Supporting all customers during COVID-19

Last week we announced a range of measures Vodafone is undertaking to ensure customers can stay online, including removing broadband caps in urban areas and encouraging mobile customers to switch to endless data plans.

We’ve been really pleased by the responses to these initiatives, and a large number of Vodafone staff have been working really hard to make these a reality. We’ve had great feedback on broadband uncapped data, and a significant number of customers have already switched to mobile endless data plans.

Keeping rural customers connected

We have heard similar calls from rural broadband customers also wanting uncapped data. To ensure everyone can get online during the day, we’re unable to lift caps completely – but we’re pleased to now offer unlimited free data overnight, between midnight and 9am. Overnight, we saw 40% higher than usual data usage indicting it’s been well received.

With current rural plans offering up to 200GB/month, this is more than enough for households to prioritise business and educational content during the day – and any heavy downloading of video files can take place overnight.

We do require government support to further increase capacity on the rural networks – with additional spectrum allocation being a quick fix. Longer-term, additional investment into the Rural Broadband Initiative will go a long way to keeping rural customers connected at times of crisis like we currently find ourselves in.

Helping you get the most out of your home or mobile connection

This week the Telecommunications Forum (TCF) provided tips to New Zealanders looking to get the best out of their home networks. This is a great reference guide, and we’ll also be creating additional resources for customers to ensure they stay connected, and have enough data to last the distance. We’ve also compiled tips for rural customers to make the most of their data allowance, which is relevant to anyone looking to manage their data.

Industry collaboration

More broadly, our technology and networks teams are working in tandem with our counterparts at Spark, 2 Degrees, Chorus and Vocus, as well as a number of the other internet providers, to ensure New Zealanders stay connected digitally – even while disconnected physically.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2453612 3-Apr-2020 10:50

An update (roaming down - who'd have thought?)

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2458146 9-Apr-2020 12:22

Update today:

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2458151 9-Apr-2020 12:24

Release:

We’ve had another busy week at Vodafone, ensuring online and phone traffic flows smoothly for our customers as well as undertaking essential maintenance and investing in network upgrades to keep New Zealanders connected during COVID-19 level 4 lockdown and beyond.

COVID-19 has caused significant business impacts in every sector of the economy, including ours. It’s important we play our part in New Zealand’s fight against COVID-19 as much as we can and help customers stay connected in this time of need.

To that end, our teams are working overtime with lots of late nights on our networks, we’re buying new software and adding extra technology into the mix to avoid online traffic jams. We’re proud of the way in which we have been able to respond for our customers so far. This has meant some cost-pressures from increased demands on our network, which we’re delivering at no extra charge for the vast majority of our customers who are on fixed price unlimited plans.

Our latest analysis shows we’re seeing some new interesting trends in the ways COVID-19 is changing internet traffic and user behaviour.

Aucklanders and Cantabrians love to chat – and Auckland data use jumps more than other regions

We’re consistently seeing time on voice calls sit at 60% higher than pre-lockdown levels, on average. But there are some interesting nuances.

On weekdays, as work takes hold and conference calls replace in-person meetings, Aucklanders are spending the longest, or around 44% more minutes on phone calls – while those in Christchurch spend 34% more time on the phone. As the least chatty, Kaikoura District locals are spending -7% fewer minutes on phone calls during the week.

But this flips on weekends, when Christchurch locals take the turn as the chattiest region spending a whopping 87% more minutes on phone calls vs Aucklanders who spend 77% more minutes chatting on Sundays compared to pre-lockdown levels. However Kaikoura locals made up for shorter calls during the week, with 71% more minutes spent talking on the phone on the weekend.

Correspondingly SMS messages are down -25%, as New Zealanders instead turn to online messaging and voice calls on apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook messenger.

Online data continues to be 20% higher across the country, with spikes of up to 30%. Auckland is skewing a little higher on data use (+22%), vs Christchurch (+19%) and Wellington (+17%).

Daytime entertainment becomes popular

We’re seeing daytime online entertainment increase as Kiwis look to fill their time at home with video streaming.

YouTube and Netflix viewing is around 20% higher than usual peaks. During lockdown, YouTube usage ramps up at about 9am and stays high throughout the whole day, whereas pre COVID-19 you would see this increase from around 5pm.

Similarly, now we’re seeing Netflix usage start to ramp up at 11am, compared to previous times where it would ramp up from around 3pm onwards.

Additional capacity added to 265 x 4G cell sites

We’re investing in numerous urgent projects to add capacity, which this week included 265 of our 4G cell sites around the country.

Thanks to Nokia for providing the necessary software to complete this upgrade, and Dense Air for offering us their 2.6GHz radio spectrum for three months to boost internet capacity – with a number of Rural Broadband Initiative 1 (RBI1) customers benefitting, as well as those in urban areas.

Since we started offering rural broadband customers unlimited free data overnight, we have seen up to 40% more data consumed between midnight and 9am. This additional spectrum will help, but there’s no silver bullet for rural users and building additional cell sites via the Rural Connectivity Group will make the most difference in the longer-term.

We’re working with various government agencies on ways to further increase internet capacity.

Essential works continue throughout lockdown

We’re working on upgrading cell sites from 3G to 4G where we can in, in another effort to boost capacity – with Levin and Porirua being two areas benefitting.

We have deployed cell sites on wheels (COWs) to boost areas of congestion in essential services – including a hospital in Kawakawa, north of Whangarei.

Another project we needed to complete before the winter rain sets in was to upgrade a key section of fibre cabling near Kaikoura.

All of these efforts require a lot of time and effort from our hardworking engineers and partners, but we’re committed to investing to keep our customers connected during this time when internet and phone connections are even more important.

Focusing on what’s important: staying connected

Staying in touch with friends and family, and keeping life as normal as possible during lockdown is incredibly important. Our Vodafone team created a cool great this week showing all the ways that they are using technology to work, life and play online – and connect to missing family and friends.

Our technology enables remote connectivity like never before – and CV19 has shown everyone that video calls can often be just as good as face-to-face meetings. A side benefit is the environment is thanking us too, with reports showing emissions are going down, which is something we could consider longer-term.

We’ll keep managing the operational and financial impacts that such large increases in data and phone use are placing on our networks, and balance the reduced revenue impacts as we help New Zealander in a time of need.

We hope customers continue to make the most of online video parties and call loved ones this Easter to ease the pressures of being at home – and from all of us at Vodafone, stay safe.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

alasta

6888 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3362

Trusted

Subscriber

#2458747 10-Apr-2020 08:19

It's interesting that SMS use is down as people start to embrace various IP based communication tools. It makes me wonder if Covid-19 will be the catalyst that finally kills off SMS.

quickymart

14940 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 13953

ID Verified

#2458750 10-Apr-2020 08:23

I doubt it, still lots of non-smart-phones out there.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2464100 17-Apr-2020 12:21

Another update from Vodafone:

Video conferencing in vogue and remote education begins – Vodafone NZ network report: week 4 lockdown
By Tony Baird, Wholesale & Infrastructure Director, Vodafone NZ

As we head towards the end of week four under COVID-19 alert level 4, demand on our internet and phone networks remains incredibly high.

Just like most other businesses in New Zealand, financial pressures are coming into focus – with reduced revenue and increased network demands in our case – creating stark changes to our operating cadence just over a month ago.

We continue to see phone and internet traffic sit at between 20-60% pre-lockdown levels, with video conferencing spike and remote education causing interesting patterns of behaviour.

Key trends we’re seeing on average:
- Voice calls +60%
- Mobile & fixed data +20%
- Rural broadband (RBI) +25% (on-peak) and +40% (off-peak)
- Vodafone NZ video conferences +688% (number of conferences) and +672% (minutes)
- International roaming -99%

Video conferencing on the rise, complements voice increases
As most New Zealanders can attest, phone calls and video conferences are the new meetings, classrooms and parties. While voice is most definitely back in vogue (+60%), video provides a modern twist, with businesses taking to online conferencing in droves.

While we can’t provide other business’ stats due to privacy reasons, we can paint a picture based on the increased adoption of video conferencing at Vodafone NZ.

Remote working and video conferencing has long been in our toolkit, however face-to-face meetings still dominated. Now more than 1,000 staff are using video conferencing on a regular basis for internal, supplier, partner and customer meetings.

We’ve seen +688% increase in video conferences take place in the 14 working days since lockdown (Thursday 26 March to Thursday 16 April). We’ve also seen +672% more minutes spent on video conferences – with an average length of 32.5 minutes per conference. One busy exec has even completed 123 video calls in this period – almost nine (8.7) every day!

While the vast majority of calls are with others in New Zealand, showing the easy ability to work cross-borders, the top 10 most popular countries for callers we’re speaking to are:
1) New Zealand
2) USA
3) Australia
4) India
5) United Kingdom
6) Singapore
7) Japan
8) Ireland
9) France
10) Philippines

Remote education begins and daytime streaming drops off
Last week we reported that Netflix and YouTube daytime viewing has been increasing. Now it seems online schooling is working as when remote education started this week, daytime viewing dropped off.

While our busiest hour is still 9pm, when comparing this Wednesday (15th April) vs last Wednesday (8th April) during the day (9am-5pm) we saw:
- Daytime Netflix traffic decrease -20%,
- Daytime YouTube traffic decrease -5.5%

With Home Learning, Papa Kāinga TV, starting this week we rushed through an update to VodafoneTV to include TVNZ+1, which was previously not needed as people could instead watch catch-up TV.

Now Channel 502 on VodafoneTV is the home for educational TV, in addition to the TVNZ on Demand app and Maori Television (Channel 19) which is broadcasting te reo educational programmes from 9am to 3pm on schooldays – with VodafoneTV viewing stable at +20% higher than pre-lockdown.

Best in class enterprise deployments
In the weeks leading up to and during lockdown, our United Comms & Contact Centre (UC&C) practice has been incredibly busy working with business customers to ensure their teams can continue to work remotely at home, with many late nights and incredibly quick turnarounds – with Microsoft Teams particularly in high demand.

One customer, Auckland Council, this week highlighted the “‘extraordinary’ act of selflessness” from our Vodafone NZ team with a working-from-home deployment that would have taken around three months in usual operating cadence completed in just 24 hours – a massive feat.

Further highlighting our best-in-class capability, Vodafone has reached Gold Competency level in enterprise deployments for Cloud Productivity of Office 365, in addition to Silver status for Cloud Platform, Collaboration and Content, Communications, Messaging, and Windows and Devices.

A partner with Gold Competency has a specialised skill set in implementing a particular solution or providing clients with service in a specific area. Gold membership reflects our ability to build and deliver best-in-class solutions for customers, and adds to our ability as one of just three partners globally who are authorised to sell Microsoft Managed Desktop (MMD) through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP).

We’re pleased to help our business customers stay connected during this massive time of disruption for all.

Arson attacks on cell sites
There has been a lot of news about arson attacks on cell sites this past week, due to blatantly false conspiracy theories about 5G, prompting the TCF to condemn wilful damage on behalf of the industry. While we won’t give specifics as we don’t want to encourage copycat activity, Vodafone NZ has also been subject to threats and activity, which is infuriating.

Every cell mast is essential for maintaining mobile services, particularly during a pandemic for critical health services, and we’re deploying cell sites on wheels (COWs) or other network technology to boost mobile coverage for hospitals that need it.

Damage to our network infrastructure could impede health authorities’ ability to save lives – and impacted cell sites could potentially be out of service for months, meaning a local community might not have mobile or home internet access depending on where the cell site is.

Internationally, Vodafone UK CEO, Nick Jeffries, wrote in a LinkedIn post this week that “deluded conspiracy theorists” are threatening people’s ability to talk to loved ones in hospital, following 20 Vodafone UK cell sites being attacked by arsonists.

We hope New Zealand can avoid this calamity, and ask anyone to report suspicious activity near cell towers to the police.

Increased 5G capacity to support the NZ Police
On the flipside, we continue to work closely with essential services to deliver world-class connectivity via our newest network technology (5G) – including increasing 5G capacity via temporary 3.5GHz spectrum in Wellington CBD, primarily to give more capacity to the pandemic response unit.

New Zealand Police is leading the all-of-government COVID-19 task force in central Wellington, and have been provided with a number of 5G routers to enable connectivity. As the range of activities on site increases, more capacity is required and we’re pleased to be able to help with the response effort in this way.

We remain committed to delivering next generation 5G technology services to support the connectivity needs of New Zealand now, and in many years to come.

And likewise, will continue to focus on keeping New Zealand connected as we determine what the exit strategy out of level 4 might be.

Stay safe – Vodafone.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Geekzone support

Support Geekzone with one-off or recurring donations Donate via PressPatron.

RogerMellie

350 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 198

#2465404 19-Apr-2020 13:18

Big thumbs up to Vodafone for doing this for RBI customers.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2469109 24-Apr-2020 11:24

Another update:

It’s been another busy week at Vodafone NZ, starting with a massive spike in internet traffic at 4pm on Monday when New Zealanders tuned in to hear when we’d end COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown via the PM’s announcement.

While the past four weeks have been challenging in many ways, we’re pleased to be able to keep New Zealanders connected. I have been proud at how well the Vodafone phone and internet networks have held up, and as an essential service that’s needed now more than ever before it’s all been worth it despite the increased costs and strains it has placed on our operations.

To ensure our networks run smoothly during the day when most people are online for working, learning or playing, we instead have been undertaking maintenance and upgrade works overnight. This has meant many late nights for our engineering teams.

While level 3 will herald a slight easing of restrictions, we are aware that all NZ businesses are adjusting to a digitally-focused world longer term. While we don’t yet know all the specific impacts, we appreciate the financial impacts across industries will be significant – and we know we will never regret taking big early steps to protect the health of our people, customers and our business, as well as our country more broadly.

Key trends we’re continuing to see on average:

Voice calls +60%
Mobile & fixed data usage +20%
Rural broadband (RBI) +25% (on-peak) and +40% (off-peak)
International roaming -99%
Kiwis were glued to screens for Monday’s announcement

While the Prime Minister’s daily 1pm press conference regularly draws crowds, the 4pm announcement on Monday 20 April hit another high.

On top of the usual +20% increased mobile data and VodafoneTV baseline (vs pre-lockdown levels), we saw:

+82% increase in VodafoneTV traffic, compared to previous Mondays at 4pm for the month of April
+17% increase in mobile data traffic, compared to other Mondays at 4pm during lockdown
+10% increase in Facebook traffic at 4pm, compared to 4pm traffic for the previous week

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2474531 1-May-2020 12:27

Update:

This week marked a number of people and businesses getting started – and while it’s been fantastic to see a slight reduction in restrictions, we’re certainly not seeing reduced customer demand at Vodafone NZ.

When New Zealand entered level 3, we saw mobile data usage up +23% on pre-lockdown levels with a slight decrease in fixed data usage – which we believe is due to more mobile devices being used outside homes plus increased wireless broadband use.

At the same time we’ve continued to see massive demands from customers needing help, thankfully supported by our pivot to more digital service channels – with customer support staff working remotely along with redeployed retail store staff.

It’s worth highlighting that more than 90% of our broadband customers are on fixed price unlimited plans – which, coupled with vast drops in roaming revenue, means we’re dealing with increased data and service pressures while facing the harsh realities of reduced revenues.

Key trends at the start of level 3 - compared with level 4

Voice calls +60% - unchanged
SMS usage has jumped up to being -12% lower than pre-lockdown – up from being down -25% during level 4
Mobile data usage +23% - up from +20% under level 4
Fixed data usage +18% - down from +20% under level 4
Rural broadband (RBI) +25% (on-peak) and +40% (off-peak) - unchanged
International roaming -99% - unchanged
Wireless broadband comes into focus

An interesting consequence of the lockdown has been an increased uptake in wireless broadband (also referred to as Fixed Wireless Access) – which are broadband connections delivered via a mobile device.

Overall, we’ve seen an almost +50% increase in data used via these wireless broadband connections, including RBI, when comparing data use in April vs February.

We’ve also seen a spike of inquiries from people needing broadband connections, and – as wireless broadband is essentially a ‘plug and play’ modem that’s super easy for people to install and use – we expect this will continue to grow in popularity over coming months.

We’ve heard from customers that workers on construction sites find wireless broadband particularly useful – and with the increase in people on building sites this week, it makes sense that wireless data use has also gone up.

Digital customer service spikes, with our call centre and retail teams going online

Over the last six weeks, we’ve seen a massive uptake in online customer service, as our call centre staff have transitioned to new digital tools working from home around New Zealand.

Within an incredibly short timeframe, we also redeployed more than 95% of our 370 retail staff while stores have been closed under alert levels 3 and 4, to help alleviate the massive increases in customers needing help and to ensure retail teams can keep selling remotely.

Because we’ve needed to ask customers to contact us digitally wherever possible, we’ve seen some incredible stats – highlighting just how busy our support teams have been in keeping customers connected.

Use of our chatbot TOBi has increased +550% – and our live online chat option has seen +400% more traffic compared to pre-lockdown levels!

Connectivity at sea: helping stranded seafarers offshore at Lyttelton

While most of us have been spending lockdown in the comfort of our homes, there are seafarers stuck on the water in boats unable to dock in our ports, with no access to Wi-Fi. This means they are unable to connect with families and loved ones, who are many miles across the ocean.

Upon hearing about the predicament some sailors were facing via a Facebook post spotted by one of our local team, we were pleased to help the Lyttelton Seafarer’s Centre with essential connectivity by supplying temporary modems.

Hopefully these Vodafone wireless broadband modems, which connect to a Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) mobile site, will be bridging some of the distance digitally.

Infuriating suspected arson at a cell site in South Auckland

A lowlight from the week was a deliberate fire being started at one of our very busy South Auckland cell sites, which was severely damaged overnight on Tuesday.

This cell site is located just off the Southern Motorway in Papatoetoe, and handles a lot of internet and phone traffic for New Zealanders trying to work or learn from home.

Every cell mast is essential for maintaining mobile services, particularly during a pandemic, when coverage is needed for critical health services and when people need to stay connected for remote working or online learning.

Our teams are working hard to ensure Vodafone customers stay connected via various technology initiatives, so this is an incredibly frustrating and senseless attack on critical infrastructure.

We will continue to work closely with police and government authorities in their ongoing efforts to combat harmful arson attacks – as well as highlight the negative impacts of misinformation particularly on social media.

Staying connected in Aotearoa

As we hopefully start to return to a new normal – or the ‘digital as usual’ – we will reduce the frequency of these updates to fortnightly. But we don’t expect the increased phone, internet and customer service demands to let up anytime soon!

We continue to work hard to keep customers connected, and we hope you stay safe in level 3.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2485562 18-May-2020 12:58

Another update today:

Highs and lows of digital connectivity as the new normal sets in – Vodafone NZ network report

By Tony Baird, Wholesale & Infrastructure Director, Vodafone NZ

Since we went into lockdown on 25 March, the digital landscape has shifted considerably. We’re seeing a new normal in terms of internet and phone traffic - with calls and data use significantly higher than pre COVID-19 levels, creating what might be a new baseline for our networks.

There have been a large number of highs - plus a few lows - as we respond to the ‘online new normal’ where remote learning and working have become a reality for many New Zealanders.

One interesting trend this week has been increased movement around the country. When we went from alert level 4 to 3, we saw a considerable drop off in mobile handovers (when a mobile device switches from one to another cell site) - and while that is steadily increasing as we go down the levels, the change in alert level 2 has been less dramatic.

Here’s a recap of where we’re at:

Key network stats in alert level 2

Voice calling

50% higher compared to pre COVID-19 baseline - down from 60% at Level 3 and 4
Messaging

MMS (PXT) usage is now back to pre COVID-19 levels
SMS usage up in level 2, now 15% lower than pre COVID-19, after being down 25% during Level 4 (as more people using messaging apps and phone calls instead)
Data

Mobile data total usage up 23%, increased from 20% at level 4
Fixed usage up 15%, down from 18% higher at level 3, due to more people going outside/leaving their homes
Facebook & VodafoneTV continues to see 20% higher usage than pre COVID-19
Rural (RBI) mobile data = 25% higher than pre COVID-19 (on-peak) & 40% higher usage overnight with free unlimited data (off-peak)
Mobile handovers show more people are getting out and about

Under alert level 4, when New Zealanders were asked to stay at home, we saw ‘mobile handovers’ (the process of a mobile device connecting from one to another cell site) decrease by 42%. This is unprecedented, to use what is fast becoming a cliché.

When we moved to alert level 3, mobile handovers increased significantly (up 25% on Level 4 levels) – but were still 22% lower when compared to February (pre COVID-19 levels).

As we entered alert level 2 on Thursday, mobile handovers have increased a bit more – now at 20% lower than our previous baseline. Interestingly, some may have expected that figure to have returned more to pre-lockdown levels, potentially signalling that some people are still a little nervous to get out and about, and others continue to work from home.

It’s been a privilege to keep New Zealanders connected

While the past couple of months has seen a lot of late nights and long days, we’ve also been proud to keep our customers working, learning and playing via digital tools. Some of the highlights include:

Sustained increases in phone calls and internet usage show that New Zealanders are staying connected digitally.

We’ve seen very positive customer responses to us offering uncapped broadband data, both in the city and rural overnight.

Our team has maintained 24x7 network operations remotely - assisted by an increased focus on online support channels, supported by retail and customer operations staff working remotely.

There have been some creative initiatives too - including the DreamLab app, which is helping researchers find treatments for COVID-19 while app users sleep - plus the Vodafone Lounge Jams concerts on Facebook helping to support our musicians via the MusicHelpsLive charity initiative and entertain music lovers.

Our Vodafone Foundation has done an amazing job supporting community partners with much needed assistance during this time via releasing emergency funds, supporting operations, or device donations.

We’ve also seen great industry collaboration throughout, with the network teams working well together with support from all infrastructure operators.

But there were also a few lows…

On the day Level 4 was announced, March 23, the industry experienced interconnect voice issues due to calls not connecting between networks as volumes skyrocketed to levels unseen in recent times. This was quickly resolved, and phone calls remained approx. 60% higher than pre-lockdown levels throughout levels 3 and 4.

Arson attempts have unfortunately happened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which are senseless and infuriating - and have the potential to cause massive disruption to our customers and communities. We continue to work closely with authorities as well as introduce new security measures in a bid to protect cell sites.

Fibre cuts at the start of level 3 caused by third party contractors resulted in unexpected connectivity issues - but we appreciate the extra efforts to be vigilant to avoid this in future.

COVID-19 has also stretched our customer care teams, with lockdown restrictions and health and safety practices in New Zealand and in other locations where Vodafone support services are based, meaning we have had to operate with reduced capabilities at times. We thank our customers for their ongoing patience, as we expect some customer care teams to be impacted for a few more weeks - with digital channels still being the best way to contact us in the first instance.

It’s been a busy period - but I’ve been proud to lead a remarkable team of dedicated professionals.

Helping New Zealanders stay connected, via our networks, has been privilege.

Stay Safe - Vodafone.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Jos1969

71 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 25
Inactive user

#2513723 27-Jun-2020 17:31

Would I be correct in saying that all the unlimited goodies will be gone at the end of the month? i.e, a couple of days...

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

BruceeNZ

18 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2515934 1-Jul-2020 22:50

I suspect you're right: I have asked my provider for an update to the "We will advise you in June 2020 about our intentions to continue or withdraw this temporary change" notice (and it has been several days with no reply so far), but my usage meter for today (July 1st) shows zero bytes of free/unmetered data, and I have Backblaze scheduled for backups 1:00AM - 6:00AM.

RogerMellie

350 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 198

#2520440 9-Jul-2020 23:13

27th July.

Jos1969:

Would I be correct in saying that all the unlimited goodies will be gone at the end of the month? i.e, a couple of days...

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2541012 14-Aug-2020 14:07

Another update from Vodafone today:

Aucklanders go digital as lockdown returns, fixed broadband data up 33% and voice minutes up 45% - Vodafone NZ network report

While going into lockdown again in Auckland brings a vast array of challenges, it’s been pleasing to see Kiwis connecting with each other and utilising New Zealand’s awesome digital infrastructure to work, learn and connect from home.

Most interestingly, we’ve seen a distinct difference in data and phone use across the country over the past few days with the differing alert levels. While all New Zealanders are utilising digital connectivity options more, with Auckland in alert level 3 lockdown we've seen Aucklanders turn to the internet and phones in droves.

When comparing this Wednesday this week (12 August) with last Wednesday (5 August), fixed broadband data is up 33% in Auckland (alert level 3) compared to just 1% increase for the Rest of NZ (alert level 2).

However, we’ve all turned to our phones - with Aucklanders calling others the most. Mobile phone voice minutes (over 3G) are up 45% in Auckland, vs 32% across the Rest of NZ.

At Vodafone NZ we’ve had a busy few days - again transitioning network operations and around-the-clock monitoring to being undertaken from home offices (or kitchen benches!) around Aotearoa. It felt surreal changing our network carrier message back to “Vodafone - Stay Safe”, but we’re working hard to keep New Zealanders connected.

Texting, MMS and mobile data also up across Aotearoa
Text messages are having a ‘back to the future’ moment, with a 31% increase in SMS messages sent on the Vodafone network since the PM’s announcement on Tuesday night - with the weekly average up 6% overall compared to last week.

While MMS (picture messages) experienced a 21% spike initially also, and settled at 12% higher as an average compared to last week.

Mobile data usage has also been steadily increasing, now up 24% during business hours across New Zealand as Kiwis turn to remote ways of staying connected and video calling picks back up.

Interestingly, we’re seeing international traffic ramp up also - particularly on the Tasman Global Access (TGA) cable connecting New Zealand (via Auckland) with Australia (via Sydney).

Vodafoners embrace remote working
Our team is almost entirely working from home including all teams across New Zealand as a precautionary measure, with the exception of retail staff. This spans technology, customer care and corporate services - with just a handful of engineers and team members going onsite where it’s essential to tend to critical infrastructure.

So we ask customers to please use digital channels when contacting us, as stores in the greater Auckland area are closed other than for appointment only as Emergency Connectivity Hubs, and our call centre teams are using in-home technology instead of their usual office set-up.

Pleasingly, we had completed a number of new technology upgrades during alert level 1, which puts our customers in even better stead. This includes launching a super-high capacity fibre optic backbone, which can transmit vast amounts of data in incredibly fast speeds, and completing a number of cell site upgrades and builds.

We’re proud to keep New Zealand connected, however these additional network pressures come at a price in terms of longer-term network investments, delivered mostly to customers at no extra cost via unlimited/endless data plans.

It’s clear that going into lockdown again has significant financial implications for a vast range of New Zealand businesses - but ensuring Aotearoa stays connected digitally will continue to be our number one priority.

Vodafone - Stay Safe.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

SepticSceptic

2263 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 779

Trusted

#2542987 17-Aug-2020 16:01

Very good of Vodafone, esp for the unlimited BB during the 1st lockdown period.

I'm on a 300GB plan, sure saving a few dollars as compared to the unlimited plan, but generally have never exceeded 200GB, unless running new backups.

It was supposed to end on August 6th, going back to normal metering

Was sweating it a bit, when I kept getting notifications from VF that I was exceeding my allowance, and my bill was up around $1200 ....

But thankfully, 6th August came, BB usage was reset to zero, and hopefully my bill will reflect the same ..