Telecom New Zealand plans to begin trial of LTE network over APT700 MHz spectrum next month. The upcoming trial will be conducted in conjunction with Huawei Technologies over 11 cell sites spread across three Waikato locations including central Hamilton and the Mystery Creek Events Centre. 

Telecom will use Huawei wireless routers for testing purposes, meaning access to the trial network will be limited to those involved in the trial. Testing will begin in late May and run for approximately four weeks. The non-commercial trial will involve select customers. 

While New Zealand Government’s 700 MHz spectrum auction has not yet concluded, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has approved temporary use of the spectrum for trial purposes.

Telecom has already committed to buy 700 MHz spectrum in the Government’s auction and plans to deploy this spectrum once the auction process has concluded.

According to the operator, the 700MHz spectrum will be important in bringing affordable 4G mobile data services to most of New Zealand, as it delivers greater reach and enhanced in-building coverage over other higher band frequencies. This makes it more efficient to build and ideally suited for delivering 4G services in regional areas.