New Zealand’s most populous city, Auckland, is now 5G-enabled, reports the New Zealand Herald. Leading the way are telecommunications company, Spark, and Auckland Transport (AT). Spark customers will not pay more for their 5G service, but they will need 5G phones to pick up the signal.
Working together, Spark and AT have tapped into the IoT’s potential by installing a number of technological goodies in downtown Auckland. Perks include outdoor amenities like solar powered benches with charging stations and indoor pluses like 5G smart lighting. Parking sensors and trash bins that signal when they need emptying will help handle the influx of people, and the detritus they leave behind.
“5G will eventually allow for one million devices to be connected per square kilometer on a continual basis, generating data that will help Governments, Councils and businesses respond quickly, allocate resources wisely and plan for the future, which will ultimately improve services and amenities for New Zealanders,” said Spark technology spokesperson Renee Mateparae.
Vodafone and 2degrees are competing for the 5G market in New Zealand, according to the Herald, but the partnership with AT gives Spark the edge in Auckland. Other big cities like Wellington and Christchurch are also joining the world of 5G, though it is likely a two vendor race between Spark and Vodafone. With its reliance on Huawei, 2degrees is already falling behind in the 5G landscape. The rollouts are ongoing, with no completion dates announced.
Spark and Vodafone are expected to continue their progress with a move to incorporate position fixed-wireless 5G. The new mobile network takes the place of a landline connection for a residence or business and serves as an alternative to Chorus UFB fibre. New Zealand’s Telecommunication Forum actively counters 5G conspiracy theories that pop up, hoping to educate the populace on the benefits of 5G and the spread of misinformation.
Reader Interactions