2degrees invests $100m in network growth

2degrees will invest $100 million boosting the size, capacity and capability of the 2degrees network.

Chief Executive Eric Hertz says the investment will see its 4G extended beyond New Zealand’s main cities.

“What this will mean is a network that meets the growing demands of smartphone and data device users,” he said.

“We’re very conscious that we need to build networks that deliver on tomorrow’s speed and capacity demands, so being able to upgrade to 4G via a software activation rather than a network rebuild is especially important as new spectrum becomes available and consumer demands for data continue to grow.”

The firm will partner with Huawei, who won the gig based on its technology solution and local in-country delivery capabilities. Huawei will undertake a ‘turn key’ project solution.

“Huawei technology underpins our current network and has impressed us with the way it performs, while allowing 2degrees to maintain its value leadership position,” added Hertz.

The next step in 2degrees’ growth plans will see the company work with local communities as network planning and construction takes place.

2degrees is also about to create 80 Christchurch jobs with the mid-2011 opening of a new 24/7 contact centre.