Spark of New Zealand, which has seen 10-fold increase in network traffic with the launch of wireless broadband service based on a Nokia IP/MPLS network, plans to expand the capacity and agility of its transport network over the next two years to prepare for 5G.

As per the 3-year deal, Nokia will be providing IP and optics equipment and software to the Spark network, including the new Nokia 7250 platform. Kent Wong, head of Nokia’s IP business in Asia Pacific, was instrumental in signing the agreement with Spark.

Recently, Spark launched 200 Gb/s per wavelength fiber link using Nokia PSS1830 Optical Transport Network.

The expansion to 5G will enable Spark to help in achieving the New Zealand government’s goals for rural expansion of broadband services. Spark will also try to lower delivery costs. The investment in capacity and agility of the network will help spur innovation and new services, especially around the application of IoT technologies.

Nokia 7250 IXR-R6 addresses key network requirements for traffic growth and major architectural changes on the path to 5G. It features terabit capacity and high-port density delivered in a compact, ruggedized form factor.

The Nokia 7250 IXR-R6 comes with advanced security features and a wide choice of interconnectivity options ranging from legacy SDH/SONET to high-speed, latency sensitive Ethernet, suitable for next-generation fronthaul interface (NGFI).

Nokia said the 7250 IXR-R6 enables cost-effective transport of both latency-sensitive and traffic, which makes it suitable for ultra-broadband as well as for new IoT-based services.

“This 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,” said Rajesh Singh, general manager of Partnering, Procurement and Vendor Management at Spark.