4G network headed for Tauranga and Mount

The 4G network will be switched on in Mount Maunganui and The Strand in Tauranga this weekend - just in time for the busy holiday season.

2 Degrees' 4G network, dubbed the next generation network, can theoretically deliver data speeds of up to 150Mbps - more than 10 times faster than standard 3G mobile connections.

The Bay's coverage will extend from Mount Maunganui's main shopping and beach area right out to Papamoa, as well as The Strand in Tauranga.

2degrees' chief technology officer Mike Davies said the rollout was well ahead of schedule.

"We have a unique advantage of having the latest network technology, thus the addition of 4G is relatively straightforward. The first stage of our rollout went exceedingly well so we are now able to kick off the second phase of our rollout. Mount Maunganui and the Strand in Tauranga is the first part of this which is just in time for the Bay's busy holiday period," he said.

Mike said 2degrees customers were taking full advantage of 4G.

"With 4G capable devices now readily available, coupled with people's growing need to do more, and be more productive on their phones, we have certainly seen a significant rise in the amount of data usage on our network this year.

"Whilst data usage on our network has continued to double each year, we have seen a significant increase since we launched 4G in June with 4G customers using 70% more data on an average day compared to those using 3G."