Spark is using Samsung's Massive MIMO Radio Area Network kit for the edge of its Christchurch 5G network. Spark has already turned on 5G mobile in downtown Auckland and Takapuna, Te Awamutu, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and the Dunedin CBD. The GCSB blocked Spark's original choice of 5G network partner, Huawei, back in November 2018, and the Chinese company remains sidelined. Vodafone NZ has stuck with 4G incumbent Nokia Networks for its 5G network upgrade, which kicked off in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown in December 2019. 2degrees, currently an all-Huawei shop, says it is talking to other vendors with an eye on beginning its 5G upgrade later this year.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 08, 2021 21:00 UTC