Discover 5G Mobile

Got questions about Skinny 5G?

• How does 5G work?

  5G is the fifth generation of our existing mobile connectivity. That's the connectivity that provides data, internet and voice services to our mobile phones when we're out and about, as well as wireless broadband (WBB) services.

• How is 5G different to all the other 'G's'?

  5G is faster and carries more data than previous generations (4G, 3G, 2G). It has the potential to bring super-fast downloads, minimal latency, massive connectivity and outstanding reliability! It will open up huge possibilities for business and the way we live, but the underlying technology is the same.

• Is 5G safe?

  You don’t need to worry about the effect of 5G on your health! We use Spark’s wireless network, which is fully compliant with both international and national limits. It’s also based on decades of scientific research that can also be applied to 5G. The Ministry of Health says "there is nothing unique to 5G that would make it interact differently with the body than other radio frequency fields (radio signals)." For more info, visit the Ministry of Health website:

  5G Questions and Answers

  5G Fact Sheet

  Spark also has information about cell towers, 5G and health. Understand health information on cell towers and mobile phones

• Will 5G replace 4G and 3G? What will happen to our current devices when 5G launches or is fully rolled out?

  Mobile technology is continuously evolving overtime, as we’ve seen with previous generations like 3G and 4G. The rollout of 5G around New Zealand will take time and will require the use of particular phones and modems, so the 4G and 3G networks will be with us for quite some years yet.

• What device do I need to connect to the 5G network?

  You’ll need to have a Skinny (or Spark) purchased, 5G compatible device to access the 5G Mobile network. And given that 5G is fairly new to the world, there’s only a limited number of devices that are enabled to work on the network at this time. However, as newer devices are brought to the market, we expect to see the availability of devices that connect to 5G increase hugely. Skinny currently offer the following 5G devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy ULTRA 5G
• Where do I need to be to connect to the 5G network?

  As we continue to bring 5G to New Zealand at a steady rate, you’ll only be able to access the 5G network in areas that are live with the new mobile coverage. Stay up to date on these areas throughout the rollout via the Coverage Map.

• I'm using a Skinny purchased 5G capable device, is there anything else I need to do to get access to 5G?

  Skinny will automatically activate 5G for any users with a Skinny or Spark purchased 5G capable device, when a customer is in 5G coverage. You will need to make sure you have downloaded the latest available software for your device, and some devices may be require you to turn on 5G on the device.

• Do I need a special plan or add on to access 5G?

  Not right now, until at least July 2021 5G  access is available on all Skinny Mobile Plans (including standard rates) at no additional cost.

• Will my device still work if I haven’t purchased it from Skinny?

  As we have only tested devices ranged by Skinny and Spark we won't be able to guarantee any mobile devices not purchased through Skinny or Spark will work on our 5G network.