New Zealand carrier Spark has selected Nokia as its majority 5G radio access network (RAN) partner.
Nokia will support Spark to expand its existing 4G and 5G program in cities across New Zealand.
The move is expected to consolidate Spark's RAN and simplify the carrier's network operations.
Nokia's partnership with Spark will see it provide its equipment to more than 700 sites. The vendor will deliver its 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes baseband, remote radio heads, and MIMO radios.
"This next phase of our partnership will see us streamlining our 5G deployments to simplify operations and deliver great 5G experiences for our customers every day," said Renee Mateparae, network and operations director for Spark.
"Working with Nokia, we aim to deliver next-generation services that will empower the people and businesses creating Aotearoa, New Zealand’s tomorrow.”
As of the end of last year, Spark reported that it has 2.7 million mobile customers across the country, plus more than 700,000 broadband connections.
Earlier this year, Spark announced plans to invest NZ$15 million ($9m) into digital infrastructure in Waikato, New Zealand.
It's been a busy week for Nokia, with the vendor also announcing a contract to support Viettel Group's 5G rollout in Vietnam.
Elsewhere, it signed a three-year deal with Zain in Iraq to upgrade the carrier's network in the south of the country.
