One NZ sees festive mobile data & satellite use surge

One NZ reported higher mobile data use over the Christmas and New Year period, alongside a rise in satellite-to-mobile messaging as customers travelled to more remote parts of New Zealand.

On the mobile network, data use increased 17.4% between 8pm on 31 December and 11pm on 1 January, compared with the same period a year earlier. One NZ said customers used 2,076 terabytes of data during that window.

The operator linked the increase to New Year communications and the wider trend of greater reliance on mobile services during holiday travel. The company said the level of demand reflected more streaming and sharing of content over the network.

Satellite uptake

One NZ also highlighted seasonal uplift in use of its satellite service over the wider holiday period from 22 December to 6 January. The company said more customers travelled from urban areas into regional and remote locations, where standard mobile coverage can be limited.

One NZ said the highest satellite usage during that period appeared in remote parts of Northland, coastal Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Canterbury, and the West Coast of the South Island.

The operator reported a 50% increase in users of the satellite service across the holiday window. It also reported a 62% increase in messaging. One NZ said customers sent and received more than one million messages in total across SMS, iMessage, RCS and MMS.

One NZ attributed part of the increase to customers using satellite connectivity during weather-related disruptions from 30 December to 1 January. It said it opened its satellite service to more customers during that period.

Network demand

Ian Sutton, Head of Network Services, One NZ, described the results as a sign of changing consumer expectations.

"All of this reflects something simple: mobile services are becoming even more essential. Whether it's ringing in the New Year, sharing holiday moments, or staying in touch during summer storms, connectivity matters.

"Satellite-based mobile coverage is filling in the gaps where our traditional mobile network doesn't reach - which became an essential communications tool for the New Zealanders who ventured to a remote beach, campsite, or track this summer.

"Across the break, One NZ teams worked around the clock through both peak demand and wild weather to keep New Zealanders connected - and we continue this mahi every day to deliver the reliability and confidence Kiwis expect."

The holiday reporting comes as New Zealand mobile operators continue to invest in network upgrades, respond to rising traffic volumes, and expand coverage in areas where geography and population density can make infrastructure more challenging.

One NZ said it invested millions of dollars in its network during 2025. It said it carried out 258 mobile updates over that period. The company did not provide a breakdown of spending by region or by technology, but it framed the programme as preparation for peak seasonal demand and ongoing changes in usage.

3G retirement

One NZ said it plans further investment in 2026. It also said 2026 will include the retirement of its legacy 3G network. The company said 4G and 5G technologies will take over as the primary options for mobile connectivity.

The move away from 3G aligns with wider industry trends as operators refarm spectrum and reduce the cost of running older infrastructure. It also places focus on device compatibility and customer migration, particularly for older handsets and connected devices that still rely on 3G for voice or data services.

One NZ did not provide a detailed timetable for the 3G switch-off, nor did it set out how it will manage customer transitions across consumer and business segments. It said the retirement will take place in 2026 as part of the wider network modernisation.

The operator said it will continue network work through 2026, alongside the planned retirement of 3G and further roll-out of 4G and 5G coverage.