Spark has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Māori Spectrum and Telecommunications service, Tū Ātea, to secure the rights to use 20MHz of Tū Ātea’s C-band (3.5GHz) spectrum, enhancing speeds and capacity for customers on Spark’s 5G network.
The additional 20MHz of spectrum will be deployed across all of Spark’s C-band 5G cell sites nationwide for an agreed period of 18 years, increasing the total C-band spectrum Spark can deploy to 100MHz, and overall available spectrum to 350MHz.
Spark’s Network and Operations Director Renee Mateparae says, “As we activate this additional spectrum through our 770 C-band 5G cell sites nationwide by the end of October, we expect 5G speeds to increase by up to 25% and we will be able to support up to 20% more traffic on our 5G network.
“This partnership complements the significant investment we make in our network each year to deliver both 4G and high-speed 5G services to our customers across the country.
“Over the past year, 5G mobile data usage has grown by 79% and our 5G network now reaches over half the population. Today’s announcement ensures we are well positioned to meet future demand, as technology continues to play a growing role in our customers’ lives.”
As part of the partnership, Spark and Tū Ātea have agreed to further develop their relationship in areas of shared value.
This includes looking to expand Tū Ātea and Spark’s partnership by deploying rural and regional small cells through Tū Ātea to improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas, support for marae-based civil defence connectivity solutions, and collaborating on workforce development initiatives designed to create pathways for Māori into the telecommunications and digital sectors.
Tū Ātea’s Chief Executive Antony Royal says, “Through this agreement we are creating new pathways for Māori to enter and thrive in the telecommunications sector. It strengthens our focus on rural connectivity and will come to ensure marae have the digital tools they need to stand strong in times of civil defence emergencies.
“Tū Ātea is committed to unlocking the power of spectrum to grow Māori participation, drive innovation, and deliver benefits for all communities across Aotearoa.”
