Management buyout for Spark's CCL network services business
CCL's general manager of network services Mark Jurgeleit is the new owner of the company's network services division. The company has rebranded as Octave. CCL is a Spark subsidiary and merged with the Revera cloud operation earlier this year.
The deal between Spark, CCL and Octave will see Spark and CCL keep control of all existing client contracts. Octave will work as a sub-contractor.
Ultrafast Fibre preparing 10 Gbps product
In an interview with Reseller News, Ultrafast Fibre CEO John Hanna said his company will soon join Chorus and offer services based on 10 Gbps technology. Chorus calls its service Hyperfibre. Hamilton-based Ultrafast Fibre is the local fibre company serving parts of the central North Island.
Chief science advisor calms 5G fears
The Prime Minister's chief science advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, has launched a website addressing 5G health concerns. The site states that "currently available scientific evidence makes it extremely unlikely that there will be any adverse effects on human or environmental health." Radio frequencies used for 5G are non-ionising, meaning they don't damage human cell tissue.
For an analysis of how effectively the site communicates its message:
Bill Bennett
Ilich new Tuanz chair
Tristan Ilich is the new Tuanz chair. He takes over from Liz Gosling who stood down because of commitments elsewhere, but will stay on as deputy chair.
Ilich is data and telco leader at Aurecon. Tuanz also has new board members: Wendy McGowan of Rural Women NZ; Will Graham, chief customer officer at Network for Learning; and Zoe Udy who chairs the Wellington Flint lead team.
Simon Moutter joins Agility CIS board
Former Spark CEO Simon Moutter has join the board of Agility CIS, an Auckland-based software developer. Agility CIS develops billing systems for utility companies. The company says Moutter has "already begun working closely with Agility’s management team to strengthen customer relationships and ensure it was delivering outstanding value to customers".
Spark to sell Apple Watch 5 with cellular calling
Spark is to sell a version of the Apple Watch that has built-in cellular calling. From 13 December Spark's online site and stores will stock the Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular). Customers with some existing Spark cellular plans will be able to buy a $13 monthly add-on giving unlimited data, calls and texts from the Watch.
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