Vodafone has launched 4G, the world’s fastest mobile network technology, in parts of Wellington today.

New Zealand's capital city becomes the third North Island location – and now the sixth in New Zealand – 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 Wellington.

“4G has captured customers’ imaginations, with well over 150,000 4G-capable devices now active on our network," he says.

"And with 4G available to over 30% of Wellington’s population today – including the central city and Lower Hutt – rising to more than 50% in September, there’s even more opportunity for Wellingtonians and visitors to experience the speed of 4G.

“We’re proud to be the first to bring superfast 4G to the capital, only on the Vodafone SuperNet.

"Now you can use 4G when you’re riding the cable car, getting a taste of Wellywood at the Weta Cave movie museum, or simply enjoying a stroll around the city.”

Stanners says 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.

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.

But for New Zealanders wanting to experience the speed of 4G, they will need a 4G-capable device with the latest software, a qualifying plan and be in a 4G coverage area.

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

The network is also available already in parts of Auckland, Christchurch, Lake Brunner, Queenstown, Wanaka and Taupo.