Spark - New Zealand

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Spark
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New Zealand Flag of New Zealand View country details


Spark (New Zealand) uses 1 UMTS band, 5 LTE bands, and 2 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work with Spark (New Zealand). See the tables below for details.

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Carrier website: https://www.spark.co.nz/

Last updated: 2024/08/16 - See latest updates

Spark New Zealand's mobile network is one of the largest and most comprehensive in New Zealand. Here are some key points about the network:

  1. Market Share and Coverage:

    • Spark is New Zealand's largest mobile operator by market share, holding approximately 41% of the market as of 2021.
    • The mobile network covers 98% of New Zealand, with over 2.5 million mobile connections.

  2. Network Evolution:

    • Initially, Telecom New Zealand operated a TDMA (AMPS, Digital D-AMPS/TDMA) mobile network, which was later replaced by a CDMA network.
    • The CDMA network was marketed as T3G, a 2 MB third-generation mobile system. It was eventually replaced by the XT Mobile Network, which uses WCDMA HSPA technology.
    • The XT network was launched in 2009 and operated in parallel with the CDMA network until it was shut down in 2012.

  3. 4G LTE Network:

    • Spark introduced 4G LTE coverage in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch starting November 2013.
    • The network initially used 1800 MHz (LTE Band 3) frequencies and later expanded to include 700 MHz (LTE Band 28), 2600 MHz (LTE Band 7), and 2300 MHz (LTE Band 40).
    • As of 2021, Spark claims that 4G is available to over 90% of the New Zealand population.

  4. 5G Network:

    • Spark launched its 5G Wireless Broadband service in September 2019 in several rural areas.
    • The 5G Mobile service was launched in July 2020, initially available in Palmerston North and later expanded to other locations such as Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch.
    • Spark aims to expand 5G coverage to 50% of the population by the end of 2022 and 90% by the end of 2023, with plans to introduce additional frequencies and upgrade existing sites.

  5. Customer Plans and Services:

    • Spark offers a variety of mobile plans and services, including broadband, mobile phones, and accessories.
    • The company also provides roaming services for visitors to New Zealand, allowing them to connect their mobile devices to Spark's network.

Overall, Spark New Zealand's mobile network is a significant player in the country's telecommunications market, offering extensive coverage and advanced technologies like 4G and 5G.

Frequency Bands

UMTS

Name Interface Description
B5 (850 MHz) UMTS

Spark New Zealand uses UMTS band B5 (850 MHz) for its 3G UMTS services. This band is exclusively used by Spark for 3G UMTS services.

LTE

Name Interface Description
B3 (1800 MHz +) LTE

Spark New Zealand uses LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz +) for its 4G LTE network. This frequency band was deployed starting in late 2013, initially in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The coverage was later extended to other areas, including Dunedin, Queenstown, and rural regions in New Zealand.
B28 (700 MHz APT) LTE

Spark New Zealand uses LTE Band 28 (700 MHz APT) for its 4G LTE services. This band was deployed starting in mid-2014, initially in rural areas of Waikato, and later expanded to other regions such as Rotorua and Taupō.
B7 (2600 MHz) LTE

Spark New Zealand uses LTE Band 7 (2600 MHz) for its 4G LTE services. This frequency band was deployed in late 2014.
B40 (TD 2300 MHz) LTE

Spark New Zealand uses LTE Band 40 (TD 2300 MHz) for its 4G LTE network. This band is used to provide additional capacity in high-demand areas. The deployment of LTE Band 40 started in late 2014, initially in rural areas such as Waikato, and later expanded to other regions including Dunedin, Queenstown, and Christchurch.
B1 (2100 MHz) LTE

Spark New Zealand uses LTE Band 1 (2100 MHz) for its 4G LTE network. This frequency band was deployed in November 2013, initially in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The deployment expanded to include additional areas over time, with the aim of making 4G available to over 90% of the New Zealand population by 2021.

5G NR

Name Interface Description
N78 (3500 MHz) 5G NR

Spark New Zealand uses the 5G NR frequency band N78, which operates in the 3500 MHz range. This band was deployed in September 2019 in several rural areas, including Alexandra, Westport, Twizel, Tekapo, Hokitika, and Clyde. The 5G Mobile service using this band was launched in July 2020, initially available in Palmerston North and later expanded to other locations such as Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch.
N40 (2300 MHz) 5G NR

Spark New Zealand uses the 5G NR N40 frequency band, which operates at 2300 MHz. This band was added to Spark's network in August 2024.

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