NZ mobile networks explained
New Zealand has three mobile networks: One NZ, Spark and 2degrees. Every other mobile brand is a “virtual” provider (an MVNO) that rents capacity on one of these networks.
Which brand uses which network
Of the 16 providers we compare, 13 are virtual providers. By network: One NZ (5), Spark (5), 2degrees (5), and Zeronet doesn't say.
| Provider | Network | Plans | eSIM | WiFi calling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One NZ | One NZ (own network) | 11 | Yes | Yes |
| Contact Energy mobile | One NZ | 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Kogan Mobile | One NZ | 7 | No | Not stated |
| Mighty Mobile | One NZ | 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Rocket Mobile | One NZ | 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Spark | Spark (own network) | 12 | Yes | Yes |
| CloudLink | Spark | 4 | Yes | Not stated |
| Gecko Mobile | Spark | 3 | Yes | Not stated |
| Mercury Mobile | Spark | 5 | Not stated | Yes |
| Skinny | Spark | 12 | Yes | Yes |
| 2degrees | 2degrees (own network) | 17 | Yes | Yes |
| Kiwi Mobile (Electric Kiwi) | 2degrees | 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Nova Energy mobile | 2degrees | 4 | Not stated | Yes |
| Slingshot | 2degrees | 4 | Not stated | Yes |
| Warehouse Mobile | 2degrees | 6 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Zeronet | Not stated | 9 | Yes | Yes |
Why it matters
Your coverage depends on the network, not the brand. A budget brand on the Spark network uses the same towers as Spark itself. That’s why cheaper providers can be great value.
Is there any difference?
- Priority: some networks give their own customers priority when a tower is busy, so virtual providers may be slower at peak times.
- 5G access: not every virtual provider offers 5G, even if the host network has it.
- Support and extras: cheaper brands often run online-only support with fewer extras.
Checking coverage
All three networks publish coverage maps on their websites. Check the places you spend the most time, such as home, work and the routes you travel. In rural areas, the three networks share some towers through the Rural Connectivity Group.