Spark ups its data game on pay monthly plans

Spark is boosting the amount of data its pay monthly customers are allotted on their mobile plans.

From today, new and existing pay monthly customers will be given up to 60% more mobile data.

The move is in response to the changing way New Zealanders are using their mobiles, according to Clive Ormerod, general manager of Customer - Marketing for Spark.

"New Zealanders are using their mobiles more and more for data intensive activities such as listening to music, watching video and engaging in social media," says Ormerod.

"So we're including much more data for our pay monthly customers at no extra cost to them. We want our customers to know that they can rely on Spark to help them stay connected, entertained and get things done on the go," he explains.

As part of the boost, Spark has added Lightbox and extended Spotify Premium to enhance the value of its plans.

Lightbox (worth $12.99 per 30 days) will be included in all pay monthly consumer mobile plans at no extra cost. Ormerod expects the addition of Lightbox to pay monthly mobile plans will be a major bonus for Spark customers.

Moreover, customers on Spark's $39.99 mobile plan will receive access to Spotify Premium (worth $12.99 per month) at no extra cost. This extends Spark's existing offer of Spotify Premium to all new pay monthly plans.

As part of Spark's ongoing partnership with Spotify, business customers now also receive access to Spotify Premium on selected business plans.

"Our usage data shows there's a growing appetite for entertainment on mobile," says Ormerod.

"Customers are accessing a range of media on their mobiles, including streaming Spotify Premium on the go, and watching TV with Lightbox while connected to WiFi," he explains.

"We want Spark to be the company that helps them open up this world of entertainment through their mobile.

Ormerod says the increase in data and extras is about bringing its customers technology that can enable their lives at home, at work and on the go.

"We're pushing to add more and more value," he says.

"From Lightbox and Spotify Premium, to Spark Thanks and free WiFi, right through to market-leading data and voice packages.

"We're also really proud of the inclusion of Putti Web, some great refreshed sharer options and Spotify Premium for those on business plans. We don't think anyone else offers more value to customers," Ormerod adds.