GCSB signs off on Vodafone NZ's 5G network plans

Jason Paris (Vodafone NZ)

Vodafone New Zealand's plans to deploy a 5G network has passed a major hurdle with security approval from security agency the GCSB.

Vodafone spokesperson Richard Llewellyn said having completed notification as required under Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013, Vodafone NZ had been advised by the GCSB that its proposed 5G deployment does not raise any network security risk.  

“We will continue to engage with relevant agencies including the National Cyber Security Centre, and work closely with our infrastructure partner Nokia, to ensure our 5G network remains compliant with all New Zealand laws and regulations," Llewellyn said.

Vodafone NZ, now under new ownership, plans to have a 5G network running by December in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The company and technology partner Nokia Networks plans to upgrade 100 cell sites for the 5G go-live.

Vodafone NZ's rivals, Spark and 2degrees, were both long-term partners of Chinese equipment maker Huawei, which has become mired in political and security concerns and effectively blocked from participating in the 5G gold-rush locally.