Spark, one of New Zealand's premier telecommunications carriers, has partnered with Netlinkz, a network-as-a-service technology startup listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Following ongoing testing with a limited number of New Zealand enterprises, the cooperation hopes to provide Starlink business-grade satellite broadband to customers later this year.
Tessa Tierney, product director at Spark, underlined the necessity of guaranteeing continuous connectivity for organizations, particularly during extreme weather events or disruptions to traditional connectivity. Spark is well-equipped to provide satellite-based solutions to its customers, thanks to its considerable experience in satellite communication since the 1970s and its ownership of a purpose-built Satellite Earth Station in Warkworth.
“Our new partnership with Netlinkz allows us to supply Starlink business-grade satellite to our customers, which will further enhance the end-to-end digital capabilities we already offer businesses across connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, data and AI, with an additional layer of resilience and business continuity,” said Ms. Tierney.
Spark is currently conducting trials with a small number of its corporate customers in partnership with Netlinkz to ensure a smooth implementation of the service. The trials will look into how developing satellite technologies might increase remote connection and resilience across Aotearoa’s economy.
Spark is also developing a satellite-to-mobile service for its mobile clients in addition to the Starlink business-grade satellite broadband. More information and a precise timeframe for this service will be released in the near future.
