5G deal to pave way for faster rollout of mobile technology for Māori

Matthew Tukaki, executive director, New Zealand Māori Council has reportedly stated that Māori will be allocated a significant part of 5G radio spectrum as part of Government decision to make way for the speedier deployment of new generation of mobile technology.
Kris Faafoi, New Zealand Communications Minister, reportedly stated that 210 MHz of unused radio spectrum in the 3.5GHz band supported by 5G smartphone will be available to mobile network operators and Māori by the mid of next year.
The decision will pave way for Spark to join its rival Vodafone in providing 5G mobile services to its customers by mid-2020 and for Vodafone to increase the performance of its 5G mobile network.
Tukaki further added that that the deal is historic, and Māori has never had any such opportunity like this before.
It is understood that four companies namely Vodafone, Spark, British-based Dense Air and 2degrees would be competing to get a slice of the 160MHz of spectrum to be auctioned.
Faafoi stated that the decision to allocate spectrum will allow telecom industry to move forward with the deployment of 5G services, offering improvements in data speeds and capacity for both fixed wireless broadband and conventional mobile.
Faafoi further added that moving forward with 5G would ensure that New Zealand remains in tandem with global developments, providing platforms for new applications thereby improving ways of life and future livelihoods. Moreover, a support program will be developed to build the capability of Māori in industries related to spectrum.
Spark reportedly stated that the auction will take place in March. The company intends to participate in the auction which it regards as a positive development. Furthermore, having access to radio spectrum in the 3.5GHz band would enable Spark to bring 5G services to more people in New Zealand.
Jason Paris, NZ chief executive, Vodafone stated that the decision taken had been great for the industry and came out as expected.
Faafoi reportedly stated that the process for allotting longer-term rights will be developed by the next two years.
Meanwhile, the Māori Spectrum Working Group has been overseeing the interest of Māori in spectrum. The members include the Wellington Māori Language Board, Te Huarahi Tika Trust, New Zealand Māori Council and Robyn Kamira and Antony Royal, representatives of the Māori industry.
After the release of 3G spectrum, Māori had decided to align their spectrum interests with 2degrees, thereby establishing itself as a competitor to Vodafone and Spark. But it might not be applicable with respect to 5G.
Source credit: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/118193085/sparks-5g-roadblock-cleared-after-government-strikes-deal-with-mori