New Zealand: Spark New Zealand announces new data center strategy

Spark New Zealand has outlined it will inject between $156 million to $189m into data center expansion, as part of a new three-year strategy. As part of this strategy, it will also work on new technologies, in order to open up new commercialisation opportunities across its core markets of mobile and broadband while “underpinning growth in new high-tech solutions.” Further to this, it is reportedly pushing forward its 5G business, with between $25m and $37m invested in Standalone 5G.

According to Spark CEO Jolie Hodson, this approach will enable the company to safeguard success in an uncertain environment, outlining that the last three years have demonstrated that the businesses that will “thrive” are the ones that “adapt most quickly to change.” 

"We see a number of supportive tailwinds ahead of us, including the continued exponential growth in data, acceleration of technology convergence, the return of international travel, and rising levels of immigration,” Hodson added. 

Meanwhile, Spark Chair Justine Smyth, commented: “When combined with effective portfolio management that has delivered substantial proceeds from the TowerCo transaction, Spark is now in a strong position to invest for future growth.”