Mobile service provider Vodafone plans to expand its 3G mobile network by investing $500 million in New Zealand as it aims for a nationwide mobile broadband network with a target to reach 97 % of New Zealand by 2010 as compared to 63% coverage at present.

"The broadband service will be available on customers'' mobiles and it can be used as a cost effective home solution especially in areas where no land line based broadband is available," said Vodafone Corporate Affairs head Tom Chignell.

Apart from 3G mobile network expansion, the company also plans to invest in next-generation mobile internet Long Term Evolution (LTE), which offers users nearly five times HSPA speed.