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Tag: Spark

  • Turmoil in Thailand: Livestream Durian Sales Spark Controversy Over Pricing Amid Surplus

    Turmoil in Thailand: Livestream Durian Sales Spark Controversy Over Pricing Amid Surplus

    Last Tuesday, a significant event took place, featuring Suphajee Suthumpun, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and commerce minister, and one of the country’s most influential online merchants, Pimrypie. Pimrypie is recognized for her diverse range of products, from her brand of fish sauce to luxurious perfumes. The occasion was held in anticipation of a 33% increase in Thailand’s durian production this year, and it attracted approximately 800,000 viewers. Within hours, it generated roughly 200,000 orders. However, the announcement of the price sparked a significant controversy.

    Concerns Over Low Pricing

    Farmers expressed apprehension that the government’s indication of a low price could set a maximum price instead of a minimum price for wholesalers. They argued that the significant discount could depress farm gate prices in an already burdened season. Puk Pimsorn, a durian seller who sources directly from orchards, argued that selling durians for 100 baht per kilogram would result in retailer losses, particularly at 100 baht per fruit. This pricing could impact the market by driving consumers towards cheaper options over quality produce, leaving other sellers unable to compete without suffering losses.

    Sommai Panasri, a durian shop owner, shared similar concerns, suggesting the campaign would further strain durian retailers already struggling with economic slowdown, rising fuel costs, and expensive transportation. Additionally, Panusak Saipanich, president of the Thai Durian Association, noted that a retail price of 100 baht left farmers with meagre or no profit once logistics and middleman fees were accounted for.

    Despite the growing backlash, Pimrypie clarified that the livestream intended to support durian growers and highlight the sector’s challenges, not to distort market pricing. She added that she had never organized such a vast campaign before and had incurred personal losses exceeding 10 million baht from the sales.

    Government Response and Durian Market Conditions

    The Ministry of Commerce responded swiftly to the controversy. A deputy spokesman clarified that the promotion only applied to “secondary-grade” fruits with visual imperfections. Suphajee distanced herself from the campaign, stating the ministry only sets standards and does not organize or endorse individual sales promotions. She noted the 100-baht price as a “sales-promotion technique,” not a value indicator, and reassured that market prices remain satisfactory.

    Durian is one of Thailand’s most profitable agricultural exports. The country is currently preparing for a potential excess, caused by increased cultivation due to strong prices in the late 2010s. This year’s rise in output is being exacerbated by global economic uncertainty, which is making consumers more cautious, increasing transport costs, and extreme heat, which is expected to yield smaller, lower-grade fruits.

    Competition is also intensifying, particularly as Vietnam expands its market share, now holding over 40% of the market within just three years. Meanwhile, Malaysia, though it exports smaller volumes, has built a reputation for high-quality durians that command higher prices.

    Despite the stable prices of Thai export-grade durians and the market not collapsing, the sector is preparing for a significant test in May when peak harvest volumes are expected to arrive. To mitigate potential issues, the commerce minister has outlined a strategy aimed at stabilizing prices and supporting growers by increasing domestic consumption and expanding overseas sales.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the controversy regarding the durian market in Thailand?
    There were concerns that the government’s indication of a low price for durians might set a maximum rather than a minimum price for wholesalers, which could potentially depress prices at farm gates.

    What was Pimrypie’s response to the backlash on the livestream?
    Pimrypie clarified that the livestream was intended to support durian growers and highlight the sector’s difficulties, not to distort market pricing. She revealed that she had incurred personal losses exceeding 10 million baht from the sales.

    What is the government’s approach to mitigate potential issues in the durian market?
    The government’s strategy involves stabilizing prices and supporting growers by increasing domestic consumption and expanding overseas sales. The plan includes expanding export routes, investing in storage and processing, and training farmers in live commerce and content creation to reduce reliance on middlemen.

  • Spark NZ and HPE Pioneer Advanced Hybrid Cloud Solutions for New Zealand’s Digital Boom

    Spark NZ and HPE Pioneer Advanced Hybrid Cloud Solutions for New Zealand’s Digital Boom

    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) recently declared that Spark NZ, a leading telecom company in New Zealand, has embarked on a series of substantial infrastructure transformations. Undertaken in conjunction with HPE, these projects aim to provide rapid and reliable hybrid cloud and managed IT services to Spark NZ’s customers. The IT overhaul will integrate new streamlined and automated features for the telecom company. Spark NZ’s objective is to entirely transform its cloud management platform in response to the substantial growth in digital consumption in New Zealand and the escalating demand for quick, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity across all its services.

    Fostering Hybrid Cloud Growth: Merging Strategies for Optimal Cloud Solutions

    Working in tandem with HPE, Spark NZ has upgraded its antiquated infrastructure, establishing a modern, purpose-built hybrid cloud environment. This includes the integration of HPE GreenLake cloud and HPE Morpheus Enterprise Software to deliver scalable, unified services. This expansion equips Spark NZ to serve its customers more effectively with improved connectivity, advanced scalable AI solutions, and heightened control, agility, and security. The modernization process has been conducted in several stages, aimed at revolutionizing Spark NZ’s crucial infrastructure while concentrating on delivering measurable outcomes that stimulate transformative business change for customers.

    Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director at HPE South Pacific, expressed his pride in the partnership with Spark NZ and the innovations it has brought about. He emphasized the broad range of modern solutions HPE offers, from upgrading cloud infrastructure capability to increasing efficiency and scalability. Weber shared his anticipation regarding how the partnership will continue to yield results in the constantly evolving landscape and the business opportunities it will unveil as these projects mature.

    The Changing Face of Telecommunication Services

    The telecommunications sector in New Zealand is structured to cater to a large and widely distributed network of customers, businesses, and enterprises. As global productivity and innovation thrive, there is a rising demand for inventive solutions to meet the requirements of critical national infrastructure and private enterprises. Spark NZ’s proactive approach to embracing new solutions positions New Zealand competitively on the global stage, prioritizing improved customer outcomes and enhanced cost-efficiency.

    Penny White, Business Technology Services General Manager at Spark NZ, emphasized the changing needs of businesses as technology evolves. She noted that depending solely on public or on-premises cloud does not provide the flexibility, control, and speed necessary for them to maximize the benefits of technology to boost productivity. White stated that these barriers can be surmounted by hybrid cloud – the area where Spark NZ is focused. She affirmed that their strategic partnership with HPE has not just fortified their foundational infrastructure but also enabled them to continue delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience to their customers while unlocking enhanced efficiency, tangible business outcomes, and new potential capabilities.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the goal behind Spark NZ’s infrastructure transformation?
    The goal is to provide faster and more reliable hybrid cloud and managed IT services to its customers in New Zealand.

    How is Spark NZ addressing the growing demand for quick and reliable connectivity?
    Spark NZ is addressing this demand by modernizing its cloud management platform and integrating new streamlined and automated capabilities.

    What are the benefits of Spark NZ’s partnership with HPE?
    The partnership enables Spark NZ to serve its customers more effectively with improved connectivity, advanced scalable AI solutions, and heightened control, agility, and security. It also positions Spark NZ to continue delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience while unlocking enhanced efficiency, tangible business outcomes, and new potential capabilities.

  • Citi Bolsters Asian FX Market Presence: Key Hires Spark Momentum in Regional Expansion

    Citi Bolsters Asian FX Market Presence: Key Hires Spark Momentum in Regional Expansion

    Citi is amplifying its efforts to boost its foreign exchange business across Japan, North Asia, Australia, and South Asia with the addition of seven experienced professionals to its foreign exchange sales and trading teams since September. The strategic move aims to capitalize on increasing regional FX flows and further develop relationships with corporate, institutional, and public-sector clients, as indicated in a recent announcement.

    Boosting Corporate FX Presence

    Citi is solidifying its corporate foreign exchange sales capacities with the appointment of Manoj Goel as Head of Corporate FX Sales for the Indian subcontinent. Goel, who brings a wealth of 23 years of experience and a proven track record of spearheading notable cross-border FX transactions in India, will be reporting to Vandana Bhatter and Aditya Bagree. Prior to this, Goel headed Global Markets Corporate Sales at a major global bank. He is an Electronics Engineering graduate from BITS Pilani and holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta, where he was a silver medalist.

    Enhancing Capabilities in Singapore

    Citi has welcomed back Cassalynne Lou to its Singapore Corporate FX Sales team, where she will be reporting to Galvin Phua. Lou, who has over seven years of experience in FX sales across New York, Singapore, and at a major bank, will be focusing on broadening the Citi Commercial Bank North Asia–Singapore FX corridor and enhancing advisory services for corporate clients.

    Powering Up Institutional FX Team

    On the institutional front, Citi has recruited Yusuke Aita as a Director based in Tokyo. Aita, who will be reporting to Anand Goyal, brings 17 years of diverse FX trading and sales experience from several leading banks. He has previously catered to hedge funds and institutional clients.

    Strengthening Hong Kong’s Institutional FX Coverage

    Citi has bolstered its institutional FX coverage in Hong Kong by appointing Renee Gao as Director. Gao, who will report to Chen Ni, has specialized in emerging-markets fixed income and FX products in her previous role at a major global bank. She started her journey at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong and Sydney, focusing on FX solutions for institutional clients.

    Expanding Regional Bank and Real-Money Coverage in Singapore

    Matthew Lim has joined Citi’s institutional FX sales team in Singapore as Vice President and will report to Timothy Young. With prior experience at UBS and Credit Agricole, Lim has covered banks, private banks, and central banks. He is a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree holder with a minor in Economics from Pennsylvania State University.

    Augmenting FX Trading Bench with Senior Options Talent

    Citi has appointed Nicky Lam as Director in its G10 FX Options trading team in Singapore. Lam, who will report to Akshay Saxena, brings with him two decades of experience across Singapore, London, and Hong Kong. He has previously led G10 options for APAC at both Nomura and Goldman Sachs and has also served at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

    Enhancing SGD and EM Trading Capabilities

    Jonathan Chua has joined Citi’s FX Trading desk in Singapore as an SGD and short-term interest rate trader. He will report to Dany Checrallah. Chua brings over a decade of experience in SGD and emerging-market currencies. He began his career at Citi in G10 spot trading and holds degrees from the University of Exeter and INSEAD.

    Growth Corresponds with Strong Market Performance

    The recruitment momentum aligns with the robust performance in Citi’s markets business. In the third quarter of 2025, markets revenues hit $5.6 billion, marking a 15 percent increase. Fixed income revenues also saw a 12 percent rise to $4.0 billion, aided by a 15 percent surge in rates and currencies and an eight percent increase in spread products and other fixed income. Heightened client activity in rates and stronger mortgage trading contributed to these gains.

    Reaffirming Commitment to Regional FX Growth

    Nathan Swami, Head of FX Trading in Japan, North Asia, Australia, and South Asia, commented, “These appointments underscore our unwavering commitment to strengthening and maintaining our leadership position in these markets. They also reaffirm our deep dedication to our valued corporate and institutional clients, as well as our continued investment in the growth of our business.”

    Questions & Answers

    Question: What is Citi’s strategy for enhancing its foreign exchange business?
    Answer: Citi is appointing experienced professionals to its FX sales and trading teams to capitalize on increasing regional FX flows and further develop relationships with corporate, institutional, and public-sector clients.

    Question: What roles have been filled as part of this strategy?
    Answer: Citi has filled positions such as Head of Corporate FX Sales for the India sub-continent, Director positions in Tokyo and Hong Kong, Vice President in Singapore, and other senior roles.

    Question: What has been the recent performance of Citi’s markets business?
    Answer: In the third quarter of 2025, Citi’s markets revenues reached $5.6 billion, a 15 percent increase. Fixed income revenues also rose by 12 percent to $4.0 billion.

  • Pandora’s Q2 Report Shows Robust Growth Driven By U.s. Demand And Global Expansion

    Pandora’s Q2 Report Shows Robust Growth Driven By U.s. Demand And Global Expansion

    In the second quarter of this year, Danish jewelry powerhouse Pandora reported strong financial outcomes, bolstered by substantial demand in the United States and continued international expansion.

    Financial Health

    Pandora’s organic revenue experienced an 8% increase year-on-year, driven by a 3% growth in like-for-like (LFL) sales and a 5% contribution from network expansion. The company’s net income experienced a minor rise, amounting to DKK 803 million (approximately US$125 million), a slight increase from DKK 799 million (US$124 million) during the same quarter last year.

    Regional Performance

    Geographically, the United States remained Pandora’s primary growth driver, with an 8% LFL sales boost in Q2. Other regions showed promising results as well: the rest of the world reported a 6% LFL growth, while Europe exhibited a modest 1% growth. Nonetheless, several key European countries such as Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Poland, demonstrated impressive double-digit gains.

    Strategic Growth and Expansion

    In the second quarter of 2025, Pandora expanded its retail footprint, launching a net of 17 concept stores and adding eight Pandora-operated shop-in-shops. This brings the total to 93 concept stores and 87 shop-in-shops globally over the past year.

    Physical retail remains a significant part of Pandora’s strategic focus, although the company is refining its market approach. Between 2024 and 2026, Pandora plans to open 400 to 500 net concept stores. However, the full-year 2025 target has been revised down to 25–50 net openings from the initial forecast of 50–75. This adjustment reflects intensified optimization initiatives in China, where up to 100 store closures are now anticipated, doubling the previous minimum estimate of 50.

    Despite these expected store closures in China, Pandora projects to maintain 3% network-driven organic growth for the year. The company’s plan to inaugurate approximately 25 new Pandora-operated shop-in-shops this year remains unchanged.

    Enhancing Customer Experience and Brand Identity

    One significant highlight of the quarter was the opening of Pandora’s second global flagship store on the Las Vegas Strip. With a target of transforming up to 1425 stores by the end of 2026, Pandora aims to enhance both customer experience and brand visual identity significantly.

    Later this year, Pandora plans to launch two new charm collections, Pandora Talisman and Minis, targeting younger, value-conscious shoppers. Additionally, the company aims to sustain momentum around its ‘Be Love’ campaign, emphasizing localized storytelling and influencer activations in crucial markets.

    Addressing Challenges

    Pandora also recognizes the increasing cost pressures related to tariffs, particularly in the United States. Import duties on goods from Thailand, China, Vietnam, and India are expected to cost the company DKK 200 million (US$31 million) in FY25, potentially rising to as much as DKK 450 million (US$70 million) annually by FY26.

    Questions & Answers

    What drove Pandora’s growth in the second quarter?
    Pandora’s growth in the second quarter was driven by robust demand in the United States and continued international expansion.

    What are Pandora’s plans for physical retail expansion?
    Pandora plans to open 400 to 500 net concept stores between 2024 and 2026. However, due to optimization efforts in China, the company has revised down its full-year 2025 target to 25–50 net openings.

    What are some of the challenges Pandora currently faces?
    Pandora is facing increasing tariff-related cost pressures, particularly in the United States, where import duties on goods from several countries are projected to cost the company up to DKK 450 million (US$70 million) annually by FY26.

  • Indian Boycotts Challenge U.S. Giants: A Push For ‘made In India’ Amid Tariff Tensions

    Indian Boycotts Challenge U.S. Giants: A Push For ‘made In India’ Amid Tariff Tensions

    American multinational corporations, including household names such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple, are feeling the pressure of increasing calls for boycotts in India. This sentiment has been fueled by business leaders and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a form of protest against U.S. tariffs.

    India, known as the world’s most populous nation, presents a significant market for these American brands. With a rapidly expanding base of affluent consumers who view international brands as symbols of societal advancement, many American companies have found success in India.

    For instance, Meta’s WhatsApp counts India as its largest user base and Domino’s boasts more restaurants in India than in any other country. Similarly, beverages such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola often take up prime real estate on store shelves, and there is typically a significant buzz when a new Apple store opens or Starbucks offers discounts.

    Recently, however, there has been growing support for choosing local products over American goods, both on social media and offline. This shift in consumer behavior has been catalyzed by a 50% tariff on Indian goods imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has unsettled exporters and strained relations between New Delhi and Washington.

    Indian Business Leaders Advocate for ‘Made in India’

    Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of India’s Wow Skin Science, has taken to LinkedIn to voice his support for Indian farmers and start-ups. His goal is to transform ‘Made in India’ into a ‘global obsession’, learning from countries like South Korea, which boasts globally renowned food and beauty products.

    Similarly, Rahm Shastry, CEO of DriveU, an Indian car driver service, wrote on LinkedIn that India should develop its own versions of popular platforms like Twitter, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook, much like China.

    Indian retail companies offer stiff competition to foreign brands like Starbucks in the domestic market, but global expansion remains a challenge. However, Indian IT services firms, such as TCS and Infosys, have integrated deeply into the global economy, providing software solutions to clients around the world.

    In a recent address in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi made a “special appeal” for increased self-reliance. He urged Indian technology companies, who have been producing products for global consumption, to prioritize India’s needs.

    Consumer Opinions Differ

    Despite the ongoing anti-American sentiment, the American electric vehicle and clean energy company Tesla recently opened its second showroom in India. The opening event in New Delhi was attended by Indian commerce ministry officials and US embassy officials.

    Simultaneously, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch group, which is associated with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, organized small public rallies across India, encouraging people to boycott American brands.

    However, not all Indian consumers share this sentiment. For instance, a customer named Rajat Gupta, who was dining at a McDonald’s in Lucknow, expressed that he was not concerned with the tariff protests and simply enjoyed the value for money he received from his 49-rupee coffee.

    Questions & Answers

    What has led to the calls for a boycott of American products in India?

    These calls for boycotts have been fueled by the imposition of a 50% tariff on goods from India by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has created unrest among exporters and strained diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Washington.

    How are Indian business leaders responding to this situation?

    Leaders such as Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of Wow Skin Science, and Rahm Shastry, CEO of DriveU, have been advocating for a focus on “Made in India” products and services, and the development of home-grown alternatives to popular platforms like Twitter, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

    Are all Indian consumers supportive of the boycotts?

    No, consumer opinions on the boycotts vary. Some consumers, such as Rajat Gupta, a McDonald’s customer in Lucknow, are not concerned by the tariff protests and continue to enjoy the products and services offered by American brands.

  • Nokia partners with Spark to bring 5G technology to New Zealand

    Nokia partners with Spark to bring 5G technology to New Zealand

    As one of the radio access network (RAN) equipment suppliers for Spark’s 5G upgrade, Nokia will deploy its AirScale RAN solution at more than 200 sites, allowing Spark to target both consumers and enterprises with new services and offers. Nokia will also deploy other products and services from across its end-to-end portfolio including digital design and deployment services.

    Spark New Zealand and Nokia have a long-standing relationship, which crosses multiple domains, including IP, optical and wireless. This new commercial 5G partnership marks the next chapter of the relationship between Spark and Nokia, providing New Zealanders with the technology that enables them to benefit from the fast-evolving digital world economy and applications.

    The agreement follows the launch earlier this year of New Zealand’s first 5G trial customer service. The trial, which took place in Alexandra, South Island, used the latest Nokia radio equipment to offer select business and consumer customers the opportunity to experience high-speed wireless broadband delivered by 5G. Nokia is currently working with Spark to deploy 5G capability to an additional 5 sites before the Christmas period.

    This Spark agreement demonstrates Nokia’s solid 5G momentum, which now reaches 50 commercial 5G contracts globally, including most early adopters. Nokia is currently powering 16 live networks globally.

    Rajesh Singh, General Manager of Value Management at Spark New Zealand, said, “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Nokia in building our 5G network across New Zealand. The local teams have collaborated extensively on a 5G solution that delivers on the outcomes we want to drive in 5G, not just in the RAN, but also in the end-to-end network.”

    Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said, “I am thrilled to see Nokia 5G equipment chosen to power 5G initially in Spark’s heartland areas. We are committed to keeping New Zealanders at the cutting edge of technology and are confident they will benefit from Nokia’s global reach, expertise and agility.

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  • Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees to provide rural broadband in New Zealand

    Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees to provide rural broadband in New Zealand

    Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees have joined forces in an effort to deliver broadband and mobile services to twenty rural areas across New Zealand.

    “Keeping Kiwis connected is a top priority for Vodafone, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside Spark, 2degrees and the Government to bring connectivity to rural New Zealand, which is the powerhouse of our economy,” said Vodafone New Zealand’s chief executive, Jason Paris.

    He added, “For this sector to remain competitive they need fast broadband and mobile coverage- not just in offices, but on farms, in schools and on the roads. This once in a generation opportunity for all three mobile network operators to provide both competitive ultra-fast broadband and world-class 4G mobile infrastructure will not only deliver the connectivity for rural New Zealand, but also the safety of Kiwis living in those remote areas.”

    There are also plans to introduce this technology for connectivity to at least 500 more sites in rural New Zealand. They will be given access to high-speed wireless broadband as well as high-quality mobile coverage.

    Jolie Hodson, CEO of Spark, stated, “The connectivity is much needed to bridge the digital divide for rural communities and help the rural sector remain competitive. Bringing together the investment from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees along with the Government’s RBI2 funding has been the key to providing service into more challenging and remote areas of New Zealand.”

    Under the Rural Broadband Initiative 2 and the Mobile Black Spot fund, the government of New Zealand (through Crown Infrastructure Partner) has granted the RCG permission to become the infrastructure provider. The RCG project aims to deliver mobile and broadband coverage to around 38,000 rural households and businesses.

    Paul Mathewson, CCO of Spark, said, “We’re proud as an industry to be able to collaborate and work together where it makes sense – and our RCG partnership with Spark and Vodafone is the perfect example.

    “Connecting Kiwis with their loved ones or the people they do business with is at the heart of what drives us at 2degrees, and we’re thrilled that fast connectivity is going to reach the furthest and most remote corners of New Zealand.”

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  • Spark New Zealand names Grant McBeath customer director

    Spark New Zealand names Grant McBeath customer director

    Spark New Zealand has appointed Grant McBeath (pictured) as its new customer director on the company’s leadership “squad”, effective July 1.

    McBeath will replace current customer director Jolie Hodson, who will become Spark’s chief executive from that date.

    Commenting on McBeath’s appointment, Hodson said “he has a strong track record of building high performing teams and delivering for customers not only at Spark, but in his time in global executive roles in companies like Nokia.”

    McBeath joined Spark in 2013 as general manager of sales for the consumer and SMB business, alongside acting for six months as CEO for Spark Home, Mobile and Business operations before becoming Channel Leader, Consumer and SMB when Spark adopted an “agile” restructuring program.

    From July 1, Spark’s leadership “squad” will have eight members: Jolie Hodson (chief executive), Grant McBeath (customer director), David Chalmers (finance director/CFO),  Melissa Anastasiou (general counsel), Joe McCollum (HR director), Matt Bain (marketing director), Tessa Tierney (product director), and Mark Beder (technology director).

    NTT appoints Kazuhiro Gomi CEO for new research unit

    NTT Corp has appointed Kazuhiro Gomi as president and CEO of NTT Research Inc, a new unit the Japanese telco created on April 1.

    Kazuhiro Gomi, who assumed the new roles on the same date, will continue to serve on the board of directors for NTT Communications and retain his current role as president and CEO of NTT America.

    He joined NTT Corp in 1985 and took up several management positions across the group, including global business VP at NTT Communications and COO of NTT America before being promoted to president and CEO of NTT America in 2010.

    According to NTT, the new research arm will focus on advanced R&D to further develop and accelerate research activities originating from NTT Laboratories in Japan.

    NTT will launch laboratories-Quantum Science & Computing Laboratories, Cryptography & Information Security Laboratories, and Medical & Health Informatics Laboratories- in July, which will become the core of NTT Research.

  • Changing of guard at Spark

    Changing of guard at Spark

    New Zealand incumbent Spark announced that its managing director Simon Moutter (pictured) has resigned from the telco. Moutter will leave the positions of MD and a director of the company from July 1. Jolie Hodson, currently customer director at Spark, will take over as chief executive.

    Spark chair Justine Smyth said the company has been undertaken succession plan from within the business by giving potential internal candidates opportunities over time to demonstrate they have the right leadership capabilities.

    “Jolie is an accomplished leader with a strong record of delivering results and managing complex business units and to be able to appoint an executive of Jolie’s calibre and experience is a testament to the quality of the talent within the company,” she said.

    She has led major programmes related to Spark’s business transformation and has been a key driver of the company’s growth strategies in business cloud and IT services. Her most recent role has been customer director, with responsibilities across Spark’s consumer and retail operations, large corporate and government customers, and cloud services businesses.

    Previously, she was CEO of the former Spark Digital unit and chief financial officer.

    Smyth said Moutter became MD in 2012 and had done so in the expectation of a likely five- to seven-year tenure.

    “In almost every respect, Spark today is a vastly different company to the one that Simon re-joined in 2012. We are New Zealand’s leader in wireless communications, with a rejuvenated mobile business across both Spark and Skinny brands, a promising IoT business and a determination to be at the forefront of 5G,” she said.

    In 2014, Moutter led the transition of Spark changing its name from Telecom. He had helped the telco transform in many other ways including improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Smyth said.

    Moutter has also recently driven an “agile” restructure of Spark and an aggressive drive into sports content and streaming.

    This will be the second time Moutter has left the telco.

    Moutter served as chief operating officer between 2003 and 2008 before leaving to become chief executive of Auckland Airport.

    Moutter returned to Spark in 2012 to take the top job with the expectation that he help turn around the company after a demerger of Chorus in 2011.

    “I’ve given my absolute best to putting Spark onto a positive track over the last seven years, so the company can fully deliver on its purpose to ‘help all of New Zealand win big in a digital world,” he said.

    “I feel it’s the right time to pass the leadership baton on.”

    Moutter said he hadn’t made any decision about what he will do after he finish at Spark, other than spend the first couple of months with his family.

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  • Spark launches flexible pricing broadband plan

    Spark launches flexible pricing broadband plan

    New Zealand operator Spark has moved to differentiate its broadband offerings by launching a new unlimited fiber broadband plan that offers consumers discounts on months they use less data.

    The company’s “Unplan” branded fiber broadband plan offers unlimited bandwidth for NZ$85 ($55.50) per month.

    But on months where consumers use less than 60GB of data this price reduces to NZ$65, and for months where 60GB to 120GB of data is consumed it reduced to NZ$75.

    An entertainment plan is also available for an additional NZ$10 per month that comes with 6 months of free Netflix and a subscription to the Spark-owned Lightbox SVOD service for the life of the plan.

    The offer is also available via Spark’s fixed wireless broadband service, but restrictions will apply on usage of over 300GB of data in a single month of regular usage of 180GB in an average month.

    “We think it’s a fairer way of offering broadband, as it reflects our customers’ needs. This is the first broadband plan in New Zealand that flexes to reflect customers’ data usage – and it has the potential to save our customers a lot of money,” Spark consumer lead Joe Goddard said.

    “It’s also the first plan that’s only available on new generation broadband options of wireless broadband and fiber.”

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  • Spark launches LoRa IoT network across NZ

    Spark launches LoRa IoT network across NZ

    New Zealand operator Spark has announced the commercial launch of its nationwide IoT network for businesses across the nation, with coverage reaching 60% of the country’s population.

    The IoT network, using the LoRaWAN technology, has been switched on in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Shannon, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch and Dunedin. Sites in Hastings and Invercargill will go live in the next few weeks, the telco said in a company statement.

    The network consists of gateways and antennas installed on Spark’s 4G cell sites. Spark is using Actility’s ThingPark Wireless platform, Kerlink’s gateways, and Kordia to build and maintain the network.

    Spark initially announced its LoRaWAN plans in July 2017, and details of coverage plans in December 2017.

    “Our IoT capability is really gathering pace, and now we’ve got this critical mass of coverage we’re able to make the network commercially available. This is a real milestone for Spark as we help New Zealand organizations win big in IoT,” said Michael Stribling, Spark’s general manager of IoT solutions.

    “While we currently have 60% of rural and urban New Zealand covered, we’ll be working to extend that to 70% by July this year. We’re also looking to partner with organizations to extend coverage into areas where they need it.”

    With its LoRaWAN IoT network, Spark said, business and local governments can deploy sensors across on a range of objects including vehicles, waterways, rubbish bins, machinery, carparks and livestock, with the sensors sending such information as the volume of rubbish in a public bin or water pH in a stream, over the network to the people managing these objects.

    Spark said LoRaWAN technology, which carries small amounts of data over long distances, uses less power than cellular networks, making it an affordable IoT solution.

    Compared to cellular connectivity, it works with a wide range of low-cost sensor technologies that are significantly cheaper on average than sensors for cellular networks. The cost to use the network is based on the number of sensors connected, and the number of messages those sensors send each month, the telco explained.

    For example it would cost a local farmer around NZ$1.79 ($1.29) per cow each month to track location and body temperatures of their cows using the LoRaWAN IoT network, Spark said.

    Spark has been testing LoRaWAN technology on trial sites for well over a year, with partners from a range of industries, including agriculture, marine and smart buildings.

    Some of its early adopters of the new commercial network include Levno, which has signed up as Spark’s first customer and will be working with the telco to extend network coverage to other areas. The Pamerston North-based agriculture firm is using Spark’s network to connect its fuel tank monitoring sensors.

    NB Smartcities NZ, a local firm offering smart city services, will also use Spark’s connectivity for smart outdoor lighting across the country.

    Claus Oustrup, director NB Smartcities NZ said the Spark network enables its council customers to leverage a range of smart city applications in addition to smart light technology.

    “For many councils, having real-time data, asset information and being in control of these devices can increase customer service response times and create real benefits for communities. For example, street lighting can account for as many as 50% of call center complaints. By having adaptable street lighting managed with real-time systems, these complaints can be quickly addressed, and their volume decreased,” said Oustrup.

    According to Stribling, the new LoRaWAN network will also enable more IoT technologies from overseas, like smart street lighting, to be adopted in New Zealand. At the same time, it is expected to give New Zealand developers of IoT technologies the chance to launch their products locally.

    “We’ve worked with the International LoRa Alliance to agree on Asia-Pacific standards so that products developed on LoRaWAN in New Zealand will work the same way on LoRaWAN networks in other countries,” he said.

    In addition to LoRaWAN, Spark has also deployed an IoT network using the 3GPP-compliant LTE CAT-M1 standard to cater different use cases. The company is also monitoring the global progress of the emerging Narrow Band (NB-IoT) standard and will invest in it when the use cases and ecosystem for NB-IoT become more mature.

    Last week, Spark also kicked off a 5G trial in Wellington, making it the country’s first mobile carrier to do so. The 5G trial came weeks after Spark announced changes to its management team as part of the company’s restructuring.

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  • New Zealands’s Spark adds third EPC to mobile network

    New Zealands’s Spark adds third EPC to mobile network

    New Zealand operator Spark has added a third evolved packet core node to its mobile network to accommodate surging data traffic and add more resiliency.

    The company said it has deployed a new node in Porirua to allow it to meet strong demand for mobile data. Its customers have already downloaded 34 petabytes of data in the first eight months of the year, compared to just 6.9 petabytes over the same period last year.

    In addition, the additional node will allow the operator to shift and re-route traffic in the case of outages, particularly those caused by natural disasters or emergencies.

    “Rapid advances in wireless capability, together with the uptake of mobile apps and video streaming means we see people on the network for longer and downloading more data than ever before,” Spark general manager for networks Colin Brown said.

    “We want to ensure we are giving our customers the best wireless experience possible. The installation of this third node is important because our customers expect an ‘always on’ service and so we need to ensure we have the capacity and resiliency to provide this.”

    Spark is also the only New Zealand operator to date to have deployed 4.5G technology on its network, including carrier aggregation, 4×4 multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (256 QAM).

    The company has so far switched on 4.5G in areas of nine cities and towns, and plans to add more towns to the footprint within the next 12 months as a stepping-stone to 5G adoption.

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  • Spark profit grows 13% in FY17

    Spark profit grows 13% in FY17

    New Zealand’s Spark has reported a 13% increase in net profit for the financial year ended in June as a result of one-off gains and improved mobile performance.

    Net profit grew to NZ$418 million ($305.7 million), with revenue increasing 3.3% to NZ$3.61 billion. Mobile revenue grew 5.6% due to a 4.1% increase in high margin service revenue and a 4.3% growth in total connections.

    Spark also increased its wireless broadband subscriber base by nearly 17% to 84,000, while the company increased its fiber broadband subscriber base by nearly 74% to 172,000.

    The company has to date migrated more than a third of its customers off its legacy copper network and on to wireless broadband as well as fiber services via the state-led Ultrafast Broadband national fiber network project.

    Fixed voice and managed data revenues meanwhile fell 12% to NZ$104 million due to ongoing substitution. Part of this substitution involves the migration of 11,000 voice only connections on Spark’s VoLTE service.

    For the current year, Spark is anticipating a 0-2% increase in both revenue and ebitda, and a slightly lower capex spend of NZ$410 million.

    The operator said it plans to increase its emphasis on wireless services and investment, and to develop its multi-brand strategy to better serve the low end of the market.

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  • Vodafone New Zealand, Spark step up IoT push

    Vodafone New Zealand, Spark step up IoT push

    New Zealand telecoms operators are entering the race for IoT, with Vodafone and Spark both announcing they will soon roll out IoT networks in the country using low-power, wide-area networking (LPWAN) technologies.

    Following initial tests with technology partner Nokia last September, Vodafone NZ said it will deploy a narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) network early next year to support an expected surge in IoT applications over the coming years.

    Vodafone NZ will pilot the technology with a select group of business customers – including transport technology services company EROAD – during late 2017, before a rollout in early 2018.

    NB-IoT uses dedicated bandwidth and licensed spectrum to deliver secure coverage across vast geographical areas. The 3GPP standard is designed to support a new wave of IoT devices – such as field and waterway sensors – that transmit small amounts of data but have a long, flexible life cycle, up to 15 years in some cases.

    “There are many IoT networks available now but we think NB-IoT is a premium technology choice that is worth waiting for,” said Vodafone technology director Tony Baird. “It is supported by over 40 of the world’s largest mobile operators plus many more suppliers and innovators that serve the majority of the global IoT market.”

    Vodafone NZ currently has more than 1.4 million connected devices operating across its 2G network in the country. The NB-IoT deployment is an evolution of this network, so it can support tens of millions more devices in future, Baird noted.

    On a similar move, incumbent carrier Spark (formerly known as Telecom New Zealand) said it has partnered with Actility and Kordia on designing and building a separate IoT network based on the LoRa (Low Range) standard.

    “A significant proportion” of the network is expected to be operational by June 2018, enabling sensors and devices to be connected over the LoRa network nationwide, with broad coverage at an affordable price point, Spark said in a statement.

    Michael Stribling, Spark’s general manager for IoT, said the company is also advancing plans to deploy mobile network-based IoT networks (LTE-M1 and Narrow-Band LTE).

    “We believe that there are different use cases emerging for different IoT networks, depending on the level and type of data that needs to be transmitted by IoT devices. In making an investment in LoRa, in addition to its LTE investments, Spark believes it will be in position to provide the broadest set of IoT solutions to its customers,” the executive said.

    Spark has already involved in the “Connected Farms” trial with Farmlands, NIWA and Ballance Agri-Nutrients, as well as device partners to roll-out pilot IoT capabilities on farm in the Waikato. The trial, which launched in April, is a new concept for farm digital services which aimed to demonstrate new levels of connectivity for farmers enabled by smart sensor technologies.

    Both Vodafone NZ’s and Spark’s IoT announcements come in the wake of a New Zealand IoT Alliance report predicting that New Zealand could reap NZ$2.2 billion ($1.6 billion) of economic benefits over ten years from the application of the IoT across key sectors of the economy.

    That report aligns with IDC predictions that New Zealand will be APAC’s third most mature market in terms of IoT units per capita by 2020 – naming the agricultural sector as a key growth driver.

    “IoT is approaching a tipping point and it’s starting to transform the way we live our lives and run our businesses,” Baird said.

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  • Spark taps Nokia to prepare network for 5G

    Spark taps Nokia to prepare network for 5G

    New Zealand’s Spark has contracted Nokia to upgrade the operator’s core infrastructure in preparation of 5G, ultra-fast broadband and the IoT.

    Spark will expand the capacity of its wireless network, which is primarily based on a Nokia IP/MPLS network, with a new router with terabit capacity.

    The three-year contract will see Nokia providing advanced IP and optical equipment and software for the Spark network. The agreement follows Spark’s recent launch of 200Gbps per wavelength fiber link using Nokia optical transport network technology.

    Spark general manager of partnering, procurement and vendor management Rajesh Singhh said the operator is committed to ensuring New Zealand is one of the first countries globally to be ready to adopt 5G. He said upgrading to 5G will help enable the government’s goal of improving broadband services in rural areas.

    “This strategic partnership is a key step for us to realize our vision of a data-driven future for New Zealand. Nokia is helping us to achieve worldwide leadership in preparing for 5G,” he said.

    “It will allow us to offer our customers the most advanced mobile and fixed broadband services anywhere, efficiently and securely.”

    “We are very pleased to continue our strategic partnership with Spark, which is committed to keeping New Zealanders at the cutting edge of technology,” added Kent Wong, head of Nokia’s Asia-Pacific IP business.

    “Spark’s investment will safely accommodate future growth as they benefit from Nokia’s global reach, expertise and agility. We are excited to help them be among the first customers to begin the move to 5G.”