Rocket Mobile tops NZ value rankings for unlimited data plans
The Commerce Commission assessed a range of mobile offerings in its annual report, ranking Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans first, second, fourth, and sixth based on price per gigabyte (GB). This positioning placed Rocket Mobile ahead of established mobile network operators in terms of value for data offered to consumers.
Ranking and recognition
The report from the Commerce Commission, detailed on page 244, evaluated the comparative cost-effectiveness of a range of plans offered in the New Zealand market. Rocket Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), was highlighted for providing four of the six top-ranked unlimited data options by cost per GB.
James Whittome, Head of Rocket Mobile NZ, commented on the results, stating the findings support the provider's standing in the national market. "We've already won Best Value Mobile Provider at the NZ Compare Awards for the past two years. Having all four of our unlimited plans ranked at the top of this ComCom list really highlights how other providers are overcharging consumers for mobile data."
Market dynamics
The annual Telecommunications Monitoring Report examines industry shifts within New Zealand, including market share changes among providers. The report noted that the MVNO market showed a significant annual growth rate, with share increasing by 61 percent year-on-year. Despite this, MVNOs represent only 2.5 percent of total mobile connections in the country.
MVNOs, such as Rocket Mobile, were found to typically include comparable plan features to those offered by mobile network operators (MNOs) but at reduced prices. The Commission's data also highlighted persistency in consumer behaviour, with 63 percent of New Zealanders remaining with the same mobile provider for over five years, an increase from 60 percent the year prior. Only 5 percent of users switched providers during the last twelve months. "Cost of living is at the forefront of Kiwis' minds at the moment, so switching to a better value plan should be a no brainer. Yet there's still a misconception that it's a difficult process."
Whittome further commented on switching behaviours, identifying inertia and misconceptions as central challenges for consumers seeking to benefit from lower mobile plan prices.
"The only way we're going to see some real change and more competitive prices in the mobile market is if more consumers move to MVNOs like us. Since we launched, we've already seen some big telcos respond by slightly increasing data inclusions on selected plans, but overall they're still relying on inertia to keep the status quo," said Whittome.
He continued: "This ComCom report should be a wakeup call to Kiwi consumers that they're still paying too much for their data, and there's no reason to keep it that way when you can switch and get the same or even more, for less money."
Outlook and eSIM adoption
The report also covered trends in consumer technology adoption and mobile data usage, both of which are rising across the country. Whittome is optimistic that more consumers will investigate MVNOs as an option, citing technological improvements as a contributing factor.
He said, "With rising mobile data usage rates, Whittome is confident more consumers will consider MVNOs for lower cost mobile plans, especially when technologies like eSIM enables easy switching within minutes."
Rocket Mobile states that its entire range of plans is compatible with eSIM technology, allowing customers to transition to their service quickly. Customers are able to retain their existing phone numbers at no cost and have access to plans without credit checks, contracts, or early termination fees.
The findings from the Commerce Commission Monitoring Report are based on nationwide data and provide insights into cost structures, consumer habits, and the state of competition in New Zealand's mobile sector.
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