Spark news stories

N4L
N4L, Spark, Chorus partner for Hyperfibre school upgrade
Networks for Learning (N4L) has partnered with Spark and Chorus to upgrade Wellington College to Hyperfibre, fostering stronger outcomes for students and teachers.

Vodafone
Opensignal report analyses and awards NZ network providers
The recent Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report has revealed new findings and award recognitions for the NZ telco market.

Microsoft
Spark launches Microsoft Dynamics 365 upgrade across enterprise
Spark and Microsoft NZ have recently collaborated to launch Microsoft Dynamics 365 across the entire Spark business enterprise.

Vodafone
Cell tower sales may pay off for consumers
The possible sale of cellular telecommunications towers by the two biggest network owners could lead to cheaper services for consumers over the longer term.

Internet of Things
Spark takes major shareholding in Adroit to enhance IoT
Spark has announced that it will take a significant shareholding in IoT company Adroit, which will enhance IoT solutions for potential customers of both organisations.

Sustainability
Spark now a member of the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand
The membership appointment will allow Spark to continue working closely with communities to help them thrive using innovative technology and practices.

HTML
Spark NZ launches Beyond Binary Code for gender inclusion
Spark NZ has launched a new tool intended to promote visibility and inclusion for non-binary communities online.

Mobile Security
Mobile madness: Unpacking the business and personal risks of digital mobile in Aotearoa
Should Kiwis practice better smartphone security, and are they one swipe or tap away from a colossal data breach?

Vodafone
2degrees, Orcon merger to take on telco powerhouses Vodafone and Spark
Challenger telcos 2degrees and Orcon Group have announced plans to merge, as they look to form New Zealand's third-largest integrated telecommunications company.

Cybersecurity
NZ pours billions into IoT - so what are we doing to secure it?
"Any vulnerable device can potentially become a bot for an attacker, however, IoT devices are especially at risk because New Zealand is at a very early stage in terms of IoT maturity."

Cloud
Telegistics changes name to Entelar in major branding overhaul
The NZ-owned and operated ICT distribution and services company will now be known as Entelar.

Internet of Things
Spark IoT network enables Evnex to bring EV chargers to rural Aotearoa
EV charging company Evnex is on a mission to roll out more charging stations in rural parts of Aotearoa, thanks in part to Spark’s extension of its IoT network.

5G
Spark partners with Nokia to accelerate 5G rollout
The deal will see Spark deploy Nokia’s latest 5G RAN technology across part of the rollout while upgrading 4G at these sites using Nokia products.

Telecommunications
The Commerce Commission warns telcos over unclear marketing
The Commerce Commission urgently seeks views on proposed marketing principles to reduce consumer confusion about alternative technology.

Cloud
Spark expands uncapped wireless broadband to another half-a-million New Zealanders
It brings uncapped connectivity to around 1.2 million New Zealand addresses across urban and rural areas.

Southern Cross Cables
Southern Cross NEXT submarine cable touches down at Auckland's Takapuna Beach
“Being geographically isolated like we are in New Zealand means there’s never been a greater need to invest in our technology infrastructure," says Minister David Clark.

5G
Spark turns on Hamilton's first 5G network
Coverage extends across Hamilton Central, as well as parts of Claudelands, Chartwell and Fairfield, with further coverage being added before the end of the month.

Chorus
Core telecommunications services to keep being regulated to protect consumers
The consumer watchdog will continue to regulate three core telecommunications services in order to protect consumers.

Commerce Commission
Commerce Commission maintains regulation of telco services to protect consumers
The Commerce Commission has confirmed it will keep regulation in place for three wholesale telecommunications services to continue to promote competition and protect consumers.

Customer experience
Spark selects new platform for workers
Spark NZ has changed the way their employees work by selecting a new customer experience company.

Awards
Spark, CCL awarded APAC growth partner of the year awards for Fortinet
The companies awarded APAC Growth Partner of the Year have leveraged their customers’ digital transformation requirements to increase their product and service offerings, thereby meeting customer demands and simultaneously growing their business.

4G technology
NZ rural-urban mobile divide is narrowing - report
However there were notable disparities in users’ experience between urban and rural areas on three major operators: Spark, 2degrees and Vodafone.

Smartphone
Commission completes review of consumer mobile phone bills
In September 2020, the Commission published an open letter to Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees asking them to share their plans for providing their customers with more meaningful product and service comparisons and to guard against overspending.

5G
Spark opens doors to 5G & IoT innovation studio in Auckland
Spark’s Innovation Studio supports technologies across networks including 4G, 5G, Cat M1, LoRaWAN, and NB IoT.