2degrees is NZ’s third mobile network and has built a strong reputation for value and improving coverage since launching in 2009. Their plans consistently offer more data per dollar than Spark or One NZ, and their rural coverage has improved dramatically through RBI investment. For most NZ households, 2degrees offers the best balance of price and coverage.
Network: Third major NZ network; improving rural coverage
5G: Available in major cities
Price position: Best data value — typically $5–$15 more data than Spark/One NZ for the same spend
Best for: Urban/suburban households wanting best data value; regional NZ households with good 2degrees coverage
2degrees Mobile Plans (2026)
| Plan | Cost | Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20/month | ~$20 | 3–4GB | Unlimited NZ calls/texts |
| $30/month | ~$30 | 8–12GB | Unlimited NZ calls/texts |
| $40/month | ~$40 | 20–25GB | Unlimited NZ calls/texts |
| $50/month | ~$50 | 40–50GB | Unlimited NZ calls/texts |
| $60/month | ~$60 | 60–80GB | Unlimited NZ calls/texts |
2degrees consistently offers more data per dollar than comparable Spark or One NZ plans. Check 2degrees.co.nz for current plan details.
2degrees’ Strengths
1. Best data value per dollar 2degrees typically offers 20–50% more data than Spark for the same price. In the $30–$50/month range particularly, 2degrees plans are noticeably more generous.
2. Strong and improving coverage 2degrees has invested heavily in coverage through the RBI (Rural Broadband Initiative) programme. Their coverage in regional NZ towns is now comparable to Spark, and they’ve dramatically improved rural 4G coverage. Before assuming Spark is needed for your location, check the 2degrees coverage map.
3. No frills, good value positioning 2degrees doesn’t bundle lots of extras, but they deliver strong data value at competitive monthly costs. Straightforward plans.
4. NZ mobile history and credibility 2degrees has operated since 2009 and has a strong track record of competition-driven pricing. They’ve been a meaningful force for lower prices in the NZ market.
5. Family plan options 2degrees offers multi-line family plans where adding additional SIMs reduces the per-person cost. Good for households with 3–5 family members all needing mobile.
2degrees’ Weaknesses
1. Rural coverage gaps in remote areas While 2degrees’ rural coverage has improved substantially, Spark still has more reach in very remote areas (back-country roads, isolated coastal areas, South Island high country). If you work or travel in these areas frequently, check the specific coverage before switching.
2. 5G rollout slightly behind Spark and One NZ 2degrees’ 5G coverage in major cities is good but slightly less extensive than One NZ. For most users this doesn’t matter (4G LTE is fast enough), but dedicated 5G users should note this.
3. No MVNO to use the network more cheaply Unlike Spark (which has Skinny as a budget MVNO), 2degrees doesn’t have a significantly cheaper MVNO option in 2026. Warehouse Mobile uses the 2degrees network but pricing is similar.
Who Is 2degrees Mobile Best For?
- Most NZ urban and suburban households wanting the best data value for money
- Regional NZ households in areas with good 2degrees coverage
- Families wanting a multi-line discount plan
- Households that have confirmed 2degrees covers their key locations
2degrees vs Skinny (Spark MVNO) — The Budget Comparison
| Feature | 2degrees $30/month | Skinny $30/month |
|---|---|---|
| Data | ~8–12GB | ~8GB |
| Network | 2degrees | Spark |
| Rural coverage | Good–improving | Best |
At the $30 price point, these are roughly comparable. The right choice depends on which network has better coverage at your address and the locations you visit.
Verdict
2degrees Mobile is the best-value mobile network in NZ for most urban and suburban households. The data allowances are consistently more generous than Spark and One NZ for the same price. The main caveat is rural coverage — in very remote areas, Spark is still superior. For anyone with good 2degrees coverage, it’s the natural first choice for value.
Rating: 4/5 — Best data value; strong coverage in cities and improving regionally.