Spark investment improves small Waikato town broadband

A recent investment by Spark into the Government's local Rural Broadband Initiative will see coverage expanded to the Waikato town of Aria.

More than $175,000 has been invested in the infrastructure needed to improve access to mobile services, and at the same time Spark has also delivered 4G to the site so customers in Aria and surrounding areas have access to fast mobile data.

"We're giving customers living in Aria better access to mobile services so they can do things online, faster and easier, like sharing and downloading files while out and about and taking advantage of cloud-based software and services," explains general manager of networks Colin Brown.

Spark's 4G coverage on the Aria RBI site utilises the 700MHz radio spectrum, which means customers in the area may be able to sign up to Spark's Rural Wireless Broadband service.

Brown says Spark's significant investment in the 700MHz spectrum is vital to the success of Rural Wireless Broadband.

"We've invested heavily in the 700MHz spectrum, acquiring more of it than any of our competitors," he says.

"It's ideal for rural areas in particular because the signal can travel further from the cell site than other 4G frequencies.

"Our Rural Wireless Broadband product utilises the 700MHz spectrum to give customers fast, reliable and affordable internet access over the 4G mobile network," Brown explains.

"This is key for people living throughout regional and rural New Zealand who currently lack access to an adequate fixed internet service.