Some observant partners have noticed this new message popping up when they do an address checker and wondered if this is a positive sign that there is likely to be coverage in the near future.
The fine print says: This address is in an area that has reached the maximum number of modems that can be connected to its cell tower.
This is nothing new – it just means that we can’t connect any new Skinny Jump customers. There are two reasons :
(1) No 4G coverage;
(2) Cell tower at capacity.
Because of the widespread deployment of Spark’s 4G network, the most likely reason is that it is a capacity, rather than a coverage, issue. Hence the new message. But unfortunately you can’t read anything between the lines about the likelihood of coverage coming to an area where there is none.
Our advice to customers is the same – check again from time to time, as capacity issues are changing all the time.
Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa 