New Zealand operator Spark has launched its 5G service in Te Awamutu and New Plymouth. Spark reports that Te Awamutu is the third busiest cell site in New Zealand for mobile data usage. Spark is working with Aon New Zealand in Te Awamutu to help keep their business connected over 5G, through a trial of Spark’s cloud managed network VMware SD-WAN service.

Back in July, Spark confirmed it would turn on 5G in five locations before the end of 2020. New Plymouth and Te Awamutu are the fourth and fifth locations in New Zealand to have access to Spark’s 5G on both wireless broadband and mobile, alongside Palmerston North, Dunedin and Auckland as well as six South Island towns who have access to Spark’s 5G wireless broadband services.

Spark launched its 5G service in five locations across New Zealand in 2020. In the first year of its 5G rollout, Spark reports it has worked with Toyota in Palmerston North to provide virtual reality test drives; partnered with Animation Research to bring street art to life through augmented reality in Dunedin; offered a smart city demo with Auckland Transport in Wynyard Quarter; helped Kiwi businesses deploy 5G applications through the 5G Starter Fund and introduced 5G to local businesses like Aon Insurance.

Spark plans to continue its 5G rollout in 2021, with new locations to be confirmed in the coming months. Customers who want to experience 5G speeds at home can sign up for Spark’s Discover 5G Wireless Broadband Plan. Spark also offers a range of 5G ready mobile phones in its stores or online and customers can access the new network on any Spark plan free of charge until July 2021.