Gisborne gets additional Spark coverage

In anticipation of a huge surge in demand for mobile services in Gisborne this holiday season, Spark has brought in a temporary mobile site to improve coverage and capacity for the peak time
of the year.

The temporary site, also known as a Cell site On Wheels (or a COW), has been set up at the Rhythm and Vines location near Waimata Valley Road and is providing more 3G and 4G coverage and capacity for the area in preparation for the holiday rush.

In addition to this, Spark has increased coverage in Gisborne and surrounds by switching on 4G on three sites utilising the 700 MHz spectrum, at Hikurangi Spur, Tolaga Bay and  a site
covering Gisborne city site.

Spark General Manager of Networks, Colin Brown, says the improved coverage means better access to mobile services for holidaymakers and event-goers.

“We want to help Kiwis have an best summer yet by keeping them connected in more places this festive season, and giving them another excuse to stay away on holiday just that little bit longer.

“Gisborne is the very definition of a summer holiday hotspot with great food, excellent wine, and brilliant beaches, not to mention one of the highlights of the event calendar – Rhythm and
Vines. Better mobile service means people can share their great holiday moments with friends and family, and stay up-to-date with everything else going on too,” said Brown.

Nationwide upgrades:

To ensure customers right across the country can stay connected throughout the busy summer months Spark has invested a significant amount in upgrading its mobile network in time for Christmas
to cater for the expected increase in demand for mobile data.

In the last three months Spark has extended 4.5G to more than 30 locations, expanded capacity on more than 100 sites and built new sites in popular holiday locations such as Helena Bay,  Kaeo, Mangawhai Heads, Pakiri Beach, Raglan, Waikawa and Te Anau.  

Spark is also deploying transportable sites to popular locations across the country such as Whitianga, Mangawhai, Wanaka and Mahia Peninsula to improve capacity in the areas that see
huge increases in visitors.