Over half a million Vodafone customers with 4G smartphones

Speed sells: over half a million Vodafone customers with 4G smartphones

• 4G-capable devices accounted for 1/3 of all Vodafone device sales in the last 12 months

• 77% increase in 4G customers in the last six months

• 83% increase in customers on a 4G plan in the last six months

• 75% of Vodafone’s available devices are 4G-capable

A year and a half after the launch of 4G in New Zealand, Vodafone is reporting over 500,000 of its customers now have 4G smartphones – a significant milestone – driving rapid adoption amongst Kiwis.

Vodafone Consumer Director, Matt Williams says as coverage becomes ubiquitous, and more 4G devices are available, 4G is becoming our primary technology.

“With Vodafone 4G at 54 locations around New Zealand and 4G roaming available** in 16 countries, hundreds of thousands of Kiwis have come to enjoy – and rely on – the speed of 4G for personal and business use.

“4G data usage already accounts for more than 20 percent of all network traffic and we anticipate that usage will grow by 1,200 percent in the next three years – compared to 300 percent growth for 3G data usage.

“On 4G, customers can load web pages instantly, load apps at lightning speed, and upload and download attachments or music in seconds. As a result, consumer behaviour is changing – 4G users stream four times more content and are 74 percent more likely to stream video on their phone.”

Vodafone Director of Enterprise, Grant Hopkins says businesses need to adapt to changing consumer behaviours.

“Our 4G customers are shopping online nearly twice as much as those on 3G due to the superior network experience, so retailers must work to meet – and exceed – consumer needs and expectations.

“South Korea is leading by example. Mobile shopping is worth nearly US$3 billion and is expected to be worth US$23.7 billion by 2016. The predicted growth demonstrates how Korean retailers have rapidly adapted services to meet these behaviour changes. There are huge opportunities for Kiwi businesses that are ready to embrace change too.”

Since launching in February 2013, Vodafone has led the way with the rollout of 4G across New Zealand; launching the service at Whakatane last month and at key ski fields over winter. The rollout of 4G to rural New Zealand is underway using L700 spectrum. Vodafone is the only New Zealand provider of 4G roaming.

Kiwis wanting to experience the speed of 4G will need a 4G-capable device with the latest software, a qualifying plan and be in a 4G coverage area. The device seamlessly switches to Vodafone’s next fastest 3G speeds when customers leave the 4G coverage area.

Vodafone offers a range of 27 4G-capable devices at a range of price points, including the recently launched Samsung GALAXY Note 4. The Samsung GALAXY Alpha will be launched soon.

For more information and 4G coverage maps, visit: http://www.vodafone.co.nz/network/coverage/.

ENDS

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