Mobile Network Technologies

Understanding the technical evolution from analog to 5G

First Generation (1G): Analog Era

AMPS Technology

The Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) was the analog technology that powered New Zealand's first cellular network in 1987. Operating in the 800 MHz frequency band, AMPS used frequency modulation to transmit voice calls.

Key characteristics of 1G networks included limited capacity, with each cell supporting only a small number of simultaneous calls. The analog signals were susceptible to interference and offered no encryption, making conversations vulnerable to eavesdropping.

Despite these limitations, 1G represented a revolutionary advance over previous mobile radio systems, offering automatic handoff between cell towers and enabling truly mobile telephone conversations across wide areas.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 800-900 MHz
  • Data Rate: Voice only (analog)
  • Modulation: Frequency Modulation (FM)
  • Coverage: 2-20 km per cell
Vintage analog communication equipment

Second Generation (2G): Digital Revolution

GSM Networks

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) brought digital cellular technology to New Zealand in 1993. Unlike analog 1G, GSM digitized voice signals, enabling encryption, better spectrum efficiency, and new services like SMS.

GSM introduced the SIM card concept, allowing users to switch devices while maintaining their phone number and identity. This innovation gave consumers unprecedented flexibility and facilitated device upgrades.

The technology evolved through GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution), adding packet-switched data capabilities that enabled basic mobile internet access and MMS messaging.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
  • Data Rate: 9.6 kbps (GSM), up to 384 kbps (EDGE)
  • Modulation: GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying)
  • Key Features: SMS, SIM cards, encryption

Third Generation (3G): Mobile Broadband

UMTS and HSPA

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) launched in New Zealand in 2003, delivering the first true mobile broadband experience. Operating on 2100 MHz frequencies, UMTS provided enough bandwidth for video calls, mobile internet, and multimedia services.

The technology evolved through several iterations: HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access), HSPA+, and eventually Dual-Carrier HSPA. Each evolution brought higher speeds and better performance, with late-stage 3G networks approaching early 4G speeds.

3G networks enabled the smartphone revolution, providing the connectivity infrastructure needed for app stores, social media, streaming services, and cloud-based applications. The widespread availability of mobile data transformed how New Zealanders interacted with technology.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 2100 MHz (primary), 850/900 MHz (rural)
  • Data Rate: 384 kbps (UMTS) to 42 Mbps (DC-HSPA+)
  • Modulation: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
  • Key Features: Video calling, mobile internet, app support
Wireless router and network equipment

Fourth Generation (4G): LTE and LTE-Advanced

Modern 4G LTE network equipment

Long Term Evolution

LTE (Long Term Evolution) represented a complete redesign of mobile network architecture. Launched in New Zealand from 2011, LTE used OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology and all-IP networking to deliver dramatic speed improvements.

4G networks eliminated circuit-switched voice calling, instead using VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to transmit voice as data packets. This approach improved spectrum efficiency and call quality while enabling simultaneous voice and data use.

LTE-Advanced introduced technologies like carrier aggregation, combining multiple frequency bands to achieve gigabit speeds. New Zealand operators deployed 4G networks on multiple frequency bands including 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz, optimizing coverage and capacity.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 700, 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz bands
  • Data Rate: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps (LTE-Advanced)
  • Modulation: OFDMA, up to 256QAM
  • Key Features: VoLTE, carrier aggregation, low latency

Fifth Generation (5G): Next-Gen Connectivity

5G NR Technology

5G New Radio (NR) represents the latest evolution in mobile technology, designed to support three key use cases: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).

New Zealand's 5G networks operate on multiple frequency bands. Sub-6 GHz spectrum (particularly 3.5 GHz) provides widespread coverage with good speeds, while future millimeter wave (mmWave) deployments will deliver extreme speeds in dense urban areas.

5G introduces advanced technologies including massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), beamforming, and network slicing. These enable operators to customize network behavior for different applications, from IoT sensors to autonomous vehicles.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 3.5 GHz (n78), 700 MHz (n28), future mmWave
  • Data Rate: Up to 10 Gbps theoretical
  • Latency: As low as 1 millisecond
  • Key Features: Network slicing, massive IoT, edge computing
5G network tower with advanced antennas

Frequency Spectrum in New Zealand

Frequency Band Technology Characteristics Primary Use
700 MHz 4G LTE, 5G Excellent coverage, building penetration Rural and regional coverage
850/900 MHz 2G, 3G, 4G Good coverage, moderate capacity Voice and basic data in rural areas
1800 MHz 2G, 4G Balanced coverage and capacity Urban and suburban networks
2100 MHz 3G, 4G High capacity, moderate coverage Urban mobile broadband
2600 MHz 4G LTE Very high capacity, limited coverage Dense urban areas, capacity boost
3.5 GHz 5G High speeds, moderate coverage 5G urban and suburban deployment
Spectrum analyzer showing radio frequencies

Modern Network Architecture

Radio Access Network (RAN)

Cell towers and base stations that communicate directly with mobile devices. Modern RANs use sophisticated antenna systems including massive MIMO to serve multiple users simultaneously on the same frequencies.

Cell tower with multiple antennas

Core Network

The central processing system that handles routing, authentication, and service delivery. Modern 5G cores are cloud-native, enabling flexible deployment and rapid service introduction.

Data center server infrastructure

Backhaul Network

The high-capacity connections linking cell sites to the core network. New Zealand uses fiber optics for urban areas and microwave radio links for remote regions where fiber is impractical.

Fiber optic cables and connections

Edge Computing

Distributed computing resources placed close to users, reducing latency for time-sensitive applications. Essential for future services like augmented reality and autonomous vehicle communications.

Edge computing server equipment