Samsung is also suppling 4G solutions to the operator’s existing network in select locations to help enhance its network services
Samsung Electronics and Spark New Zealand first turned on 5G in select parts of Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand in March 2021. The pair have now revealed that they have expanded this coverage to more than 20 suburban regions across Auckland.
“With our leading 5G portfolio, we have played a key role in supporting Spark’s ambition to deliver 5G coverage to ~90% of the New Zealand population,” said Todd Selwyn, head of the networks business for Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Spark to deliver innovative 5G services and transformative experiences to even more Kiwis.”
Samsung provided several 5G solutions, including its 5G massive MIMO radios. According to the companies, the vendor’s massive MIMO radio is “instrumental” in the latest 5G expansion due to its use of advanced 3D beamforming technology, which delivers “improved capacity and effectively extend[s] network coverage.”
Samsung is also suppling 4G solutions to Spark’s existing network in select locations to help enhance its network services, said the companies.
“Through our partnership with Samsung, we’re thrilled to have expanded 5G coverage across Auckland at pace whilst simultaneously upgrading 4G capacity — providing Aucklanders with an enhanced wireless experience,” commented Renee Mateparae, technology evolution tribe lead at Spark New Zealand. “Over the next few months, we look forward to building out 5G availability across Aotearoa — so watch this space!”
Additional and notable 5G vendors for Spark include is Nokia, which is supplying the operator with 5G RAN technology, and Mavenir and AWS, which both took part in the operator’s recent 5G Standalone (SA) trials. For the trail, which Spark claimed was the first in the country, Mavenir supplied a 5G SA cloud-native core solution, while AWS provided multi access edge computing and 5G cloud solutions. Spark tested a video analytics tool on the solution, and the results demonstrated low latency to deliver real-time video analytics, with latency reduced by 70% to single-digit milliseconds.
