Spark is continuing its multi-vendor 5G network upgrade, with technology partner Samsung having readied over 20 new sites with the next-generation mobile service.
Samsung's head of networks business Todd Selwyn told CRN NZ that the 5G sites it is constructing for Spark are mainly on the south side of the Harbour Bridge, but the telco equipment vendor is working its way up north as the rollout continues.
Selwyn said Samsung's equipment is capable of 5G Standalone (SA) mode, which Spark is currently trialling.
Following the withdrawal of China's Huawei from the New Zealand market, Spark picked Samsung as one of its technology partners for the 5G network upgrade starting in 2021.
This includes Spark's fixed-wireless access (FWA) unregulated broadband for 5G, which Selwyn said is switched on and connected to Samsung equipment.
Spark also uses Nokia for its 5G network rollout, and Samsung supports inter-vendor handover with the x2 interface, which Selwyn said has been tested and completed in New Zealand.
