Data consumption sky rockets as Kiwis change smartphone habits

New statistics from Telecom shows that mobile data usage increased by over 50% at Fieldays this year and text message usage decreased by over 30%.

According to the telco giant, this reinforces the ongoing shift in customers using their smart devices to access a range of mobile applications using data as opposed to SMS.

Telecom General Manager of Networks, Colin Brown says; “over the four day event our customers accessed over 300GB of mobile data.

"To give you some context that’s more than 10 times the amount of data used by customers at an All Blacks game at Eden Park.

“Smart devices are changing the way our customers experience and take part in events such as Fieldays – they’re being used for far more than just texting and calling.

"Access to fast data speeds on our 3G and 4G mobile networks allows them to source information on the go using a range of business apps and upload videos and photos over social media sites to share with friends and family.”

“But access to fast data speeds is not only important for customers at big events such as Fieldays, increasingly it is becoming a necessity for regional communities and agribusinesses – the engine rooms of New Zealand’s economy.

"Having access to data at the farm or on the road is a key ingredient for the rural sector to drive innovation, access crucial information and to support productivity.”

Brown adds that mobile data was the subject of many conversations between Telecom staff and visitors to Fieldays, with agribusinesses and customers showing strong interest in Telecom’s future plans to expand its 4G footprint in regional areas throughout New Zealand.

Currently, Telecom is trialling 4G on the 700MHz radio spectrum in the Waikato. The 700MHz spectrum is particularly suited to deliver 4G services in regional areas due to its greater reach and enhanced in-building coverage over higher frequencies.

Telecom anticipated the huge customer demand for data at Fieldays based on a consistent trend for customers to access social media sites and other mobile applications at large events.

The company deployed its biggest ever mobile communications network build for a one-off event involving a complex mix of both 3G and 4G technology to support its customers at the four-day event.