One NZ and 2degrees have unveiled a major proposal to share key mobile network infrastructure in New Zealand, potentially reshaping how two of the country’s biggest telecom operators invest in coverage and future technology while continuing to compete for customers.

Under the plan, the companies would combine their mobile radio access network infrastructure, known as RAN, into a new jointly owned wholesale business currently referred to as RANCo.

The proposal is not yet final. It requires approval from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Overseas Investment Office, along with required corporate reorganisation. Subject to those steps, the companies are targeting completion in the first half of 2027.

What One NZ and 2degrees plan to share

RAN is the part of a mobile network that connects phones and other devices to the wider network. It includes active equipment installed at mobile sites, including electronics and antennas.

One NZ and 2degrees would contribute their respective RAN assets to RANCo. The new entity would own, manage and operate the shared infrastructure before supplying network services back to each company through separate wholesale agreements.

This is an infrastructure-sharing proposal rather than a merger. Both companies would remain independent retail and wholesale businesses and continue competing for consumer and business customers.

Important network assets would remain separate

One NZ would retain ownership and control of its spectrum management rights, core networks, fibre backhaul assets and satellite innovations.

That distinction means customers would still choose between separate One NZ and 2degrees plans, prices and services even if more of the radio equipment behind their mobile connections becomes shared.

Why the companies want a shared mobile network

One NZ says network sharing could reduce duplication and allow infrastructure investment to be used more efficiently. Incoming chief executive Nick Judd said RAN sharing is already common in overseas markets.

The company believes the model could improve connectivity, strengthen network resilience and support faster access to future technologies, including 6G.

Reducing duplicated equipment could also lower overall energy use while allowing the operators to focus more investment on customer experience, products and other network capabilities.

Reliability remains important as mobile networks become more central to everyday communication. A previous 2degrees mobile network fault across New Zealand disrupted calls for customers nationwide, highlighting why resilience and redundancy remain key issues for telecom operators.

Infrastructure sharing already exists in New Zealand

The concept is not completely new. One NZ and 2degrees already share RAN infrastructure at a smaller number of mobile sites.

Other forms of telecom infrastructure sharing are used through organisations such as the Rural Connectivity Group and mobile tower operators Fortysouth and Connexa. The new proposal would significantly expand cooperation between the two mobile companies.

Shared network infrastructure can bring efficiencies, but major disruptions can also affect customers across multiple providers. A recent Chorus fibre outage affecting more than 20,000 Auckland internet services showed how problems within wholesale telecom infrastructure can spread across different retail brands.

What the proposal could mean for customers

For now, customers do not need to make any changes. One NZ and 2degrees will continue operating their existing services while the proposed arrangement goes through regulatory review.

If approved, the biggest changes would happen behind the scenes. Combining radio infrastructure could potentially make upgrades and investment more efficient while the two companies continue competing on pricing, products, customer service and innovation.

Regulators will also need to assess whether those efficiencies can be achieved while maintaining strong competition and sufficient operational independence.

Regulatory approval will determine the 2027 timeline

The Commerce Commission and Overseas Investment Office approvals remain the major hurdles before RANCo can proceed.

According to the official One NZ announcement, the companies are aiming to complete the transaction in the first half of 2027 if all required approvals and restructuring steps are completed.

Until then, One NZ and 2degrees remain separate competitors. If regulators approve the proposal, New Zealand could move toward a model where two major mobile brands share more of the infrastructure behind their networks while continuing to compete directly for customers.

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