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Techday NZ
11-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Rocket Mobile tops NZ value rankings for unlimited data plans
Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans have been identified as the lowest cost mobile plans in New Zealand, according to the latest Telecommunications Monitoring Report from the Commerce Commission. 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.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rocket Mobile Tops List Of Lowest Priced Plans In Latest ComCom Report
Press Release – Rocket Mobile Head of Rocket Mobile NZ, James Whittome, says the report really reinforces the brands best value position within the NZ mobile market. Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans have topped the list of the lowest cost mobile plans in New Zealand, in the latest Telecommunications Monitoring Report released by the Commerce Commission. Based on price per GB, Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans were ranked first, second, fourth and sixth in the list, beating out the big players by a fair margin. Head of Rocket Mobile NZ, James Whittome, says the report really reinforces the brand's best value position within the NZ mobile 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.' The annual report, which looks at the state of Aotearoa's telco sector, found that even though Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market share had increased by 61 percent year on year, it still only comprised 2.5 percent of total mobile connections. At the same time, MVNOs typically offer the same inclusions for lower prices than the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Despite the potential savings consumers can make by switching providers, the report also found that 63 percent of Kiwis have been with the same provider for over 5 years, up from 60 percent the previous year. Only 5 percent of Kiwis had switched providers in the last 12 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.' '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.' '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.' 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. All of Rocket Mobile's plans are eSIM ready, new customers can bring their number for free and sign up with no credit checks, contracts or early termination fees.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rocket Mobile Tops List Of Lowest Priced Plans In Latest ComCom Report
Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans have topped the list of the lowest cost mobile plans in New Zealand, in the latest Telecommunications Monitoring Report released by the Commerce Commission. Based on price per GB, Rocket Mobile's unlimited data plans were ranked first, second, fourth and sixth in the list, beating out the big players by a fair margin. Head of Rocket Mobile NZ, James Whittome, says the report really reinforces the brand's best value position within the NZ mobile 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.' The annual report, which looks at the state of Aotearoa's telco sector, found that even though Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market share had increased by 61 percent year on year, it still only comprised 2.5 percent of total mobile connections. At the same time, MVNOs typically offer the same inclusions for lower prices than the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Despite the potential savings consumers can make by switching providers, the report also found that 63 percent of Kiwis have been with the same provider for over 5 years, up from 60 percent the previous year. Only 5 percent of Kiwis had switched providers in the last 12 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.' '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.' '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.' 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. All of Rocket Mobile's plans are eSIM ready, new customers can bring their number for free and sign up with no credit checks, contracts or early termination fees.
Civil.ge
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Civil.ge
Regulator Finds Violation in Channels Questioning GD Legitimacy, But Doesn't Fine Them
Communication Commission (ComCom), Georgia's state media regulator, found two TV channels in violation of broadcasting law for using language that questioned the legitimacy of the ruling Georgian Dream government. The regulator, however, did not impose penalties. The decision on complaints filed by the ruling Georgian Dream party against two critical TV channels, Formula TV and TV Pirveli, was announced on July 3, the channels reported, some two weeks after the review at ComCom on June 19. Under the new amendments introducing stricter content controls for broadcasters, sanctions on violations before June 1 — as was the case for two channels — are not subject to enforcement. The rulings, however, are feared to set dangerous precedents. TV channels reported early in June about being sued by Georgian Dream with the ComCom over using in their coverage terms such as 'regime,' 'regime's prisoner,' 'illegitimate parliament,' and 'oligarch' in relation to the GD government and its officials, both on air and on social media. The complaints were based on the amendments to the country's broadcasting law adopted in April, which granted the ComCom the authority to regulate media content and impose sanctions for violations, including for breaches of 'fairness and impartiality' principles. Georgian Dream claimed the new media laws were based on the 'British model.' The GD argued in the complaints that journalists from critical broadcasters did not separate facts from personal opinions. The review of complaints between ComCom and the channels' representatives took place online on June 19, amid protests at the ComCom building in Tbilisi in support of the broadcasters. During the hours-long review, ComCom Head Kakhi Bekauri thanked GD for filing the complaint and encouraged others to do the same. 'What we are witnessing now on TV under the new regulations… there are pretty many misdemeanors,' he said. The amendments to Broadcasting Law come as part of a broader legislative crackdown on freedom of the press and freedom of expression, including through two foreign agents laws and stricter regulations on receiving foreign funding. Critics argue that the legislation is aimed at silencing, censoring, and eliminating Georgian independent TV channels. The sanctions for content violations can range from verbal warnings to eventual revocation of the broadcasting license. The first such review, on complaints that don't foresee enforcement, 'aims to set some precedents,' Nodar Meladze of TV Pirveli said during the review on June 19. Also Read: This post is also available in: ქართული
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Download Weekly: Big three dominate telecoms sector
ComCom monitoring report: NZ telecom market remains concentrated The Commerce Commission's 2024 Telecommunications Monitoring Report names decreasing the industry's high level of concentration as the regulator's key priority. Telecommunications commissioner Tristan Gilbertson underlines this in his foreword to the report, where he writes: 'This year's report also reminds us that the sector remains highly concentrated – and that dealing with this concentration is an ongoing challenge.' Mobile dominated by vertically integrated players This concentration is most pronounced in mobile. Collectively Spark, One NZ and 2degrees control 97.5 percent of the market. The monitoring report describes their dominance as resilient, with their combined share declining by only 1.1 percent in the past five years. It says: 'Unlike fixed broadband, the mobile segment has seen minimal disruption and remains a stable three-player oligopoly.' While the report acknowledges mobile virtual network operators have made progress, it says New Zealand remains among the bottom OECD countries for MVNO penetration. Urban broadband Things are better in urban broadband, although there's still concentration. Here the same top three companies collectively enjoy a 73 percent share. Moving to a wholesale model 15 years ago fixed the problem of vertical integration. New entrants, especially power retailers bundling broadband, are making headway and customers do have choice. The Commerce Commission frets that switching rates remain low among broadband service providers. Another concern is that customer satisfaction with broadband is falling. Rural broadband New Zealand's three large telcos only have 55 percent market share of rural broadband. One of the fastest growing competitors is Starlink. The report notes: 'Wisps still serve 16% of rural homes, but many are losing ground to satellite competitors and are now investing in fibre to remain competitive'. Around 10 percent of New Zealanders don't have a broadband connection. The report identifies cost as the main barrier and notes the problem is more serious in rural areas. What's coming? The report concludes with a look at the significant change happening this year. It notes four major market events: Fibre Boost upgrades (the report mentions Chorus but other fibre companies are doing the same); the arrival of Amazon's Kuiper satellite network, the launch of direct to mobile services and the 3G network shutdown. Quick take It's slow, but there is clear progress on market competition. In 2009 when the telecommunications market was reset as Chorus emerged from Telecom NZ, the market had one giant, one big player and a string of minnows. As recently as three years ago you could characterise the retail market as two big players and two second tier companies followed by smaller firms. We've moved from a near-monopoly to a near-duopoly to an oligopoly. Further reducing market concentration is important, but these things don't happen overnight. TCF offers emergency fact list A new fact sheet from the Telecommunications Forum aims to help people get ready for an emergency. TCF CEO Paul Brislen says the industry has done much work to ensure services and networks are more resilient, but if networks are affected in an emergency, being informed and prepared can make a huge difference. The fact sheet includes a checklist itemising things to do ahead of an anticipated emergency and advice on how to cope after the event. Download the TCF emergency fact sheet: RNZ: Calls for a better emergency call system after outage RNZ Morning Report's Ingrid Hipkiss interviews TCF CEO Paul Brislen about the industry's response to the current network outage in Golden Bay. They also discuss what needs to change for a more resilient network and emergency service. School WiFi upgrade hits two-thirds milestone Network for Learning (N4L) says it is two-thirds of the way through a school wireless network upgrade. When finished, around 2500 schools will have new switches and access points. The upgrade forms part of the Ministry of Education's Te Mana Tūhono programme. Alongside the hardware upgrade, N4L has also moved 500 schools to its upgraded managed network. Silverdale School, shown in the photo, was battling inconsistent connections and speeds due to ageing access points prior to the upgrade. Principal Cameron Lockie says: 'The kids would try to get onto their devices, and they'd get the spinning wheel of death and not be able to connect to the network. Our lessons get planned around using our Chromebooks, but if you can't get onto the network, it becomes a frustration for everyone.' Lockie says without the new network there was a danger that the Chromebooks the school purchased could be gathering dust. US Starlink customers face US$750 'congestion charge' In what could be a taste of things to come for New Zealand, Starlink is billing rural US customers with a 'congestion charge'. This ranges from US$100 in some areas, US$500 in others and US$750 in Washington state. The company is also throttling video streaming speeds in places. With US customers still paying for satellite dishes, the initial costs in some areas is now US$1100. If the same charges applied in New Zealand, consumers would pay around NZ$1800 plus GST taking it over NZ$2000. This congestion comes despite the Starlink constellation growing to 7,875 satellites and suggests capacity may not be scaling along expected lines. Dacombe-Bird to head Google Cloud NZ Google Cloud has hired Tim Dacombe-Bird to head Google Cloud in New Zealand. Dacombe-Bird was previously with Wiz, the cloud security firm, for around 18 months. Before that he spent a decade with AWS and was the New Zealand country manager. In other news... Can US Customs legally search your phone? RNZ's Nik Dirga gets into the details about border phone searches for people entering the US and what you can do about it. At Reseller News, Rob O'Neill writes about the new $326M all-of-government data centre at the Air Force's Whenuapai site. Neal Wallace writes up the failure for Farmers Weekly. It may not be a satellite, but the story underlines how those orbiting 'cell towers in the sky' are more vulnerable than the cell towers built on ridge lines and urban poles. The Download Weekly is supported by Chorus New Zealand. Download Weekly: Big three dominate was first posted at
