One NZ and 2degrees propose mobile network infrastructure sharing

One New Zealand and 2degrees have announced a proposal to establish a jointly-owned wholesale business, tentatively named RANCo, to share their mobile radio access network (RAN) infrastructure. The arrangement aims to combine the companies' RAN assets to improve network resilience, reduce duplication, and accelerate the rollout of new technologies such as 6G.

Under the proposed model, both companies will continue to separately own and invest in competitive assets, including spectrum management rights, core networks, fibre backhaul, and satellite innovations. The goal is to create a more efficient platform for digital connectivity investment in New Zealand while maintaining competition between the two providers.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from the NZ Commerce Commission and the Overseas Investment Office. If approved, the companies aim to complete the transition in the first half of 2027.