Spark, New Zealand's major telecommunications company, plans to offer satellite-to-mobile services to its consumers. Spark plans to begin a pilot of this service before the end of the year in conjunction with satellite operator Lynk Global. The initial trial will be open to a limited number of Spark mobile subscribers who desire to join.
The service will primarily permit text messages at regular intervals throughout the day during the course of the trial. Spark, on the other hand, has stated that it plans to expand the service in 2024 when more commercial satellites are launched. At that point, it intends to provide the service to a larger spectrum of Spark clients, potentially including voice and data services.
Spark Product Director Tessa Tierney said, “We believe satellite has an important role to play in connecting Aotearoa New Zealand. While satellite can’t provide 100% coverage — as you need a clear line of sight to the sky to get connected — it certainly adds an additional layer of resilience, particularly now as we face increasingly severe and frequent weather events due to climate change. And once there are more satellites launched and the service is available more broadly, it will allow our mobile customers to start to use their phones in more areas that aren’t reached by traditional mobile coverage.”
Ms. Tierney further emphasized the dynamic nature of technology and the necessity to ensure a seamless and reliable user experience. Spark intends to refine the service before making it broadly available by undertaking the initial trial with a small number of clients. Before offering the service, the corporation stated that it must integrate the technology into its current network and acquire regulatory approval.
The collaboration with Lynk Global is part of Spark's broader strategy to include satellite technology in its connectivity offerings. Spark recently announced a partnership arrangement with Netlinkz to provide Starlink business-grade satellite broadband to clients later this year, in addition to the satellite-to-mobile service. The company is constantly seeking agreements with other possible collaborators in order to broaden its portfolio of satellite-based services.
