Bill Bennett

@index.billbennett.co.nz.ap.brid.gy

telecommunications + technology from a New Zealand perspective [bridged from https://billbennett.co.nz/ on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]

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Longform Stories

Analysis: Streaming ain’t what it used to be

Streaming and fast broadband have changed how we watch sport and other video entertainment, but the golden age is over. Where will digital media go next?

1d ago·17 min read·3291 words

SpaceX IPO impact, Golden Bay resilience, fibre review

SpaceX IPO impact on NZ telecoms Last week SpaceX launched what it hopes will be the largest stock market listing in history. The company aims to raise US$75 billion to fund its rocket and space trav…

May 28·6 min read·1178 words

Analysis: What SpaceX’s IPO means for NZ telecommunications

Last week SpaceX launched what it hopes will be the largest stock market listing in history. The company aims to raise US$75 billion to fund its ambitious rocket and space travel development programme…

May 28·6 min read·1103 words

Cell site batteries, private 5G, refurbished phones

National Infrastructure Funding and Financing behind cell site resilience upgrades. Spark builds a private 5G network at Port Nelson. One NZ sells second hand phones.

May 21·8 min read·1413 words

Wireless carriers push back on fibre-first rural broadband

New Zealand's mobile sector challenges the idea that fibre should be the first choice for rural broadband. Overseas telcos operating in New Zealand will now be subject to local laws and regulations. S…

May 14·8 min read·1578 words

Fixed voice rules head for deregulation

The Commerce Commission will investigate deregulating PSTN interconnection. Ventia plan to grow beyond telecoms with datacentre builds. One NZ builds 29 new cell sites

May 7·1 min read·30 words

Network and cyber security in New Zealand

A brief guide to network and cyber security in New Zealand, covering threats, defences and how telcos and agencies protect critical infrastructure.

May 3·3 min read·472 words

Tuanz report: Networks built, value missing

New Zealand's digital leaders tell Tuanz Digital Priorities Report that our nation needs to do more with the communications infrastructure. ComCom Fibre IM Review. One NZ signs API agreement with Voda…

Apr 30·1 min read·37 words

Mobile virtual network operators in New Zealand

Mobile virtual network operators sell mobile services without owning infrastructure. In New Zealand they have a small market share and limited impact on overall market structure.

Apr 25·1 min read·33 words

MVNOs call for regulatory action on satellite texting

ISPANZ accuses mobile carriers of blocking MVNO access to satellite texting. 2degrees gains market share and TDL updates broadband disclosure rules.

Apr 23·1 min read·29 words

Internet exchange points in New Zealand

How internet exchange points work in New Zealand, including their role in keeping traffic local, improving performance and how networks interconnect.

Apr 20·1 min read·27 words

Analysis: the numbers behind a potential Enable Networks sale

Christchurch City Holdings reviewed its ownership of Enable Networks, raising the prospect of a partial or full sale of one of New Zealand's four fibre wholesalers. A report in The Australian says Mac…

Apr 16·6 min read·1003 words

Chorus accelerates copper network shutdown

Chorus moves copper network retirement forward two years. A look at the potential sale of Enable Networks. Amazon acquires Globalstar.

Apr 16·1 min read·25 words

IoT in New Zealand

IoT connects devices, networks and data systems. In New Zealand it is widely used in agriculture, utilities and infrastructure, supported by mobile, satellite and low-power networks.

Apr 14·1 min read·30 words

Ministry review targets legacy telco red tape

The government review of telecommunications regulation aims to strip out copper-era rules and cut costs. Spark launches mobile to satellite service. Commerce Commission aims to deregulate voice over f…

Apr 9·1 min read·36 words

Analysis: Comparing New Zealand carriers’ satellite-to-mobile

Spark and One NZ are embarked on similar satellite strategies using SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Rival 2 degrees is a taking an entirely different approach to integrating satellites into its mobil…

Apr 9·5 min read·955 words

Data centres in New Zealand

Data centres run digital services. They store, process and distribute data for websites, cloud computing and other online applications.New Zealand’s distance from major global hubs means local data ce…

Apr 5·1 min read·41 words

Submarine cables in New Zealand

New Zealand is geographically isolated and depends on submarine cables to connect to the world. They carry everything: voice, internet data, streaming video and cloud traffic.

Apr 4·5 min read·934 words

New Zealand's 3G era ends, emergency call concerns remain

Concerns about 111 emergency calling after the 3G shutdown remain. The case for handset rules. One NZ solar power project. Spark satellite service.

Mar 26·1 min read·32 words

New Zealand telecommunications industry

An overview of New Zealand’s telecommunications industry, covering structure, competition, regulation and how providers work together.

Mar 24·1 min read·20 words

End in sight for mobile termination regulation

The Commerce Commission says our mature market no longer needs mobile termination rate regulation. Chorus launched digital equity product. Fibre regulations under review.

Mar 19·1 min read·30 words

3G shutdown enters final phase

Carriers found thousands of less common handsets during New Zealand's otherwise smooth 3G shutdown. Kordia warns companies that letting staff loose on AI tools is a security risk. Datagrid gets consen…

Mar 12·1 min read·41 words

Fibre deregulation on ComCom's 2026 agenda

Telecommunications commissioner Tristan Gilbertson outlines the 2026 work programme, with fibre deregulation the headline item. Carriers combine to fight SIM-swap fraud, 2degrees builds a private 5G n…

Mar 5·1 min read·46 words

Chorus returns to profit as fibre uptake climbs

Chorus posts a first half profit as copper retirement accelerates. Comparing Spark and Chorus post demerger performance. 2degrees ground station spooks inner city residents.

Feb 26·1 min read·32 words

Spark growth takes backward step to improve profit

Spark's improved half year result shows return to profit at expense of growth and diversity. National Infrastructure Plan points to need for greater rural investment. One NZ offers mobile user scam pr…

Feb 19·1 min read·40 words

PSTN sunset looms as regulator eyes deregulation

The Commerce Commission signals the end of PSTN regulation as mobile and cloud alternatives dominate. TCF backs a competition law overhaul and new data reveals 4G fixed wireless performance gaps.

Feb 12·1 min read·37 words

Rural telecommunications in New Zealand

New Zealand is both sparsely populated and highly urbanised which presents unique logistic and economic hurdles for building ground-based telecommunications infrastructure.

Feb 9·1 min read·26 words

Telecommunications regulation in New Zealand

An overview of how telecommunications regulation works in New Zealand, covering the Telecommunications Act, regulators, key reforms and mobile.

Feb 5·1 min read·24 words

Chorus posts $171m profit despite regulatory pressure

Regulatory pressure over unbundled bitstream access (UBA) pricing and higher than expected ultrafast broadband (UFB) build costs didn't stop telecommunications network operator Chorus from turning in …

Feb 3·1 min read·86 words

Fibre networks in New Zealand

An independent guide to New Zealand’s fibre broadband network, explaining how UFB works, coverage, speeds and how fibre compares with wireless.

Jan 31·5 min read·924 words

Mobile networks in New Zealand

Mobile networks cover half the New Zealand landmass but almost 100% of where people live and work. Here we examine how mobile networks are used, where coverage falls short, how they compare with fibre…

Jan 30·1 min read·45 words

Emergencies behind 3G shutdown pause

Multiple states of emergency in the North Island saw 2degrees and One NZ push pause on 3G shutdown. 2degrees partners with HPE for artificial intelligence. Broadtech buys Transworks.

Jan 29·1 min read·33 words

New Zealand satellite communications

How satellite services fit into New Zealand’s telecommunications market, including infrastructure, regulation and emerging mobile services.

Jan 24·1 min read·20 words

NZ mobile market share stable as 3G shutdown begins

One NZ starts its 3G shutdown in Dunedin, while Telcowatch data reveals long-term mobile market share remains remarkably stable. Plus, Connexa partners with Nokia.

Jan 22·6 min read·1031 words

Commerce Commission questions telecom disputes independence

The Commerce Commission says New Zealand’s Telecommunications Disputes Resolution Scheme still lacks full independence while Southern Cross outlines future Tasman cable plans.

Jan 15·8 min read·1530 words

New Zealand’s 700 MHz spectrum auction defined the 4G landscape

New Zealand's 700 MHz spectrum auction in 2013 shaped the 4G era. This post merges contemporaneous reports from February 2013 to January 2014, documenting how Telecom NZ, Vodafone and 2degrees compete…

Dec 22·1 min read·51 words

Tech and the state: An entanglement

As 2025 closes, technology companies have become strategic assets in great power competition. From AI investment to satellite networks, tech policy is now foreign policy and New Zealand's dependencies…

Dec 17·1 min read·37 words

Wholesale telcos oppose mobile termination deregulation

Small telcos are uneasy about plans to deregulate mobile termination rates. Winners at the NZ Compare awards. NCSC gets in touch over malware. New Zealand partners with Korea for next generation quant…

Dec 11·1 min read·39 words

Commerce Commission hits One NZ with $1.1 million fine

One NZ hit with $1.1m fine over 111 access failures - Emergency comms network widens - AI tools cut network analysis time by 80% - Tasman Ring cable may add Tasmanian landing

Dec 4·1 min read·41 words

One NZ’s final 3G sprint as Amazon enters LEO fray

One NZ mobile network upgrades, a widening gap between how businesses and customers see online engagement, Amazon’s enterprise satellite plans, AST’s manufacturing boost and forecasts showing Apple se…

Nov 27·1 min read·41 words

Private 5G, satellite resilience and final TDL

CentrePort’s new private 5G network, telcos turn to satellites for resilience, the final TDL allocation.

Nov 20·1 min read·22 words

2degrees reveals sovereign satellite strategy

A partnership between 2degrees and AST SpaceMobile offers a distinct take on mobile to satellite. Chorus wants government help fixing digital divide. Another data record breaks.

Nov 13·11 min read·2018 words

One NZ moves HQ back to town

One NZ opens Wynyard Quarter HQ, Commerce Commission recommends dropping mobile termination rate regulation, mixed views on tower co-location deregulation, new wireless jamming rules clarified, Kordia…

Nov 6·7 min read·1257 words

City Rail Link goes full 4G and 5G

Auckland’s City Rail Link goes underground with full 4G and 5G coverage, Spark tops Opensignal for coverage, TCF updates broadband codes, One NZ satellite texting surges after wild weather.

Oct 30·1 min read·37 words

Telecommunications levy shows stable market with emerging players

The Commerce Commission’s draft 2024–25 Telecommunications Development Levy reveals a largely unchanged industry structure as Spark remains the top contributor, SpaceX gains share, new names enter the…

Oct 23·1 min read·36 words

Government eyes Chorus debt sale, ending its UFB role

The government plans to sell its Chorus debt and equity holdings, drawing a line under its role in the UFB project. Also in this issue: Eon Fibre launches DC Direct, ComCom praises clearer mobile maps…

Oct 16·1 min read·51 words

Download Weekly - Mobile plan transparency slips

Consumer NZ says Spark and 2degrees have reduced mobile billing transparency, making it harder for customers to compare plans. The Commerce Commission warns it may issue new guidelines if the telcos d…

Oct 9·1 min read·40 words

Sabotage and theft continue to plague cell towers

Recent sabotage and theft at New Zealand cell towers highlight risks to connectivity. One NZ adds eight new sites and TCF calls for a rethink of the telecommunications development levy.

Oct 2·1 min read·38 words

2degrees edges toward profit as revenue and market share rise

2degrees shows revenue and market share growth despite loss. Spark rolls out MVNO-as-a-service. Southern Cross advances its Tasman Express cable project.

Sep 25·1 min read·31 words

Review: Oppo Pad SE Matte Display Edition

Update January 2026: Now available for NZ$329 at the Oppo New Zealand online store. This makes a huge change to value comparisons. Value tablet handles modest workloads with style Oppo’s NZ$500 Pad…

Sep 18·1 min read·87 words

Spark, One NZ give responders network visibility

Next Generation Critical Communications develops network visibility tool. Spark updates leadership, telcos warn 3G holdouts, One NZ wins global sustainability award

Sep 18·1 min read·28 words

Spark details back-to-core SPK-30 strategy

Spark sharpens SPK-30 strategy; 5G boosted by Tū Ātea; new API services with Aduna; Apple unveils slimmer iPhone Air; Oppo partners with All Whites and Ferns; Tuanz board update.

Sep 11·1 min read·34 words

Chorus back in profit as fibre grows - One NZ wins DOC deal

Chorus turns in positive result despite harsh trading conditions. Emergency services will find your phone even when you didn't make the call. One NZ uses satellites to win DOC business.

Aug 28·1 min read·43 words

Spark profit falls as company shifts back to core

Spark posts a sharp profit drop and doubles down on core telecoms. The ComCom moves to deregulate rural copper. Tasman Ring project confirms submarine routes. Oppo launches a budget tablet.

Aug 21·1 min read·39 words

Spark sells majority stake in data centre arm

Spark sold 75% of its data centre business to Australia’s Pacific Equity Partners for $486m cash plus up to $98m in performance payments. The deal values the unit at $700m and creates a standalone ope…

Aug 14·1 min read·53 words

Amazon's Project Kuiper looms closer

A deal between Amazon and Australia's NBN Co suggests Project Kuiper satellite broadband will launch within a year — with implications for New Zealand. N4L reports managed network progress and the Com…

Aug 7·1 min read·44 words

Satellites in NZ: Starlink, Amazon Leo and the competition

Satellite broadband has grown fast since Starlink began NZ operations four years ago. Gartner direct analyst Khurram Shahzad says it will soon break out of its rural niche.

Jul 31·7 min read·1324 words

One NZ plans more MVNOs

One New Zealand signs a three-year deal with Australian MVNO packager Fastter, signalling a push to bring branded mobile networks to market quickly. Also: Chorus extends its fibre footprint and Spark …

Jul 31·1 min read·39 words

Digital equity concern as 3G shutdown nears

The Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa identifies communities at risk as the 3G shutdown approaches, raising questions about whether low-income and rural users have viable alternatives. Also: number po…

Jul 24·1 min read·50 words

Winter streaming, game updates see UFB traffic surge

June 8 set a new daily data record on the Chorus network as winter streaming and game updates drove a traffic surge. Also: Starlink reveals its network upgrade plan, handset sales remain flat and Tuan…

Jul 17·1 min read·49 words

Chorus makes copper deregulation case

Chorus argues that copper network regulation is no longer needed, making a case to the Commerce Commission ahead of its review. Also: Reannz expands with the NZ eScience Infrastructure, consumer billi…

Jul 10·1 min read·44 words

Three telcos control 97.5 percent of NZ mobile market, regulator warns

The Commerce Commission’s 2024 Telecommunications Monitoring Report highlights market concentration. N4L's school WiFi upgrade progress. TCF publishes emergency fact sheet.

Jul 3·1 min read·31 words

Chorus rural fibre a national priority

Chorus fibre proposal endorsed as national infrastructure priority. It's time to update New Zealand’s National Environmental Standards for  Telecommunication Facilities. Spark working on price index s…

Jun 26·1 min read·32 words

One NZ extends IoT footprint with Starlink

Starlink's direct to cell technology now used for One NZ's IoT network. Spark broadband price rise has consequences. Tuatahi signs Ventia partnership deal. Scam Code to be updated. Chorus Express Con…

Jun 19·8 min read·1512 words

Spark pushes back 3G close date

Spark delays 3G shutdown to March 2026 as rivals stick to earlier timelines. Also in this issue: the shift from VPNs to Zero Trust, Apple’s haptic F1 trailer, rising cybercrime losses, and a dip in br…

Jun 12·1 min read·44 words

Australian warship radar knocks out NZ rural fixed wireless broadband

Australian warship disrupts wireless networks, Spark warns cloud adoption is stalling, Chorus updates its outage map, and 2degrees teams with Datacom. Plus: Freeview adds HD, and telcos react to propo…

Jun 5·1 min read·42 words

ComCom warns 2degrees over satellite marketing

The Commerce Commission warns 2degrees over satellite claims; Tait bids for Vital; the TCF introduces a code to support customers needing priority services; Spark recycles laptops for schools; Xero ad…

May 29·6 min read·1081 words

Connecting Aotearoa Summit

Rural access has improved dramatically in the past decade, but connectivity is no longer just a matter of physical infrastructure. This year’s summit asked whether New Zealanders have the skills, conf…

May 22·9 min read·1659 words