Spark New Zealand

Spark New Zealand promoted its technology evolution lead Renee Mateparae (pictured) to a new role of network and operations director, becoming part of the operator’s ten-person leadership team.

Spark New Zealand joined rivals in laying out plans to introduce a satellite-to-mobile service, partnering with Lynk Global to target a trial by the end of the year.

Spark New Zealand teamed with network-as-a-service company Netlinkz to deliver remote connectivity from Starlink birds to enterprise customers later in the year, with plans to soon release details on a satellite-to-phone service for mobile users.

Spark CEO Jolie Hodson suggested deployment of new digital infrastructure in New Zealand will accelerate after its independent tower unit Connexa received approval from the nation’s competition regulator to acquire passive infrastructure from rival 2degrees.

New Zealand’s competition regulator highlighted potential competition issues related to a move by Spark’s independent tower unit Connexa to acquire passive infrastructure from rival 2degrees, following an initial investigation.

Spark New Zealand outlined plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of 2025 to free up low-band spectrum to extend 5G service in rural areas.

Spark New Zealand divided the position of customer director into two roles covering enterprise and government, SME and consumer, with the aim of aligning its technology investment more closely to customers’ evolving requirements.