One NZ and 2degrees Propose Joint Mobile Network Venture

One NZ and 2degrees have proposed the creation of a jointly-owned wholesale business, tentatively named RANCo, to combine their mobile radio access network infrastructure. The new entity would own and operate active equipment on mobile sites, including antennas and electronics, providing services back to both companies through separate wholesale agreements.

Under the proposal, both operators will remain independent retail and wholesale competitors. They intend to retain separate ownership of their core networks, spectrum management rights, fibre backhaul assets, and satellite innovations. This shift moves the competitive focus away from physical tower footprints toward customer service and core network performance. If approved, Spark will be the only remaining operator in New Zealand maintaining a fully separate national radio network.

Executives state the move will reduce equipment duplication, lower energy use, and accelerate the rollout of new technologies such as 6G while improving network resilience. The project is subject to approval from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Overseas Investment Office, with a target completion date in the first half of 2027.