Download Weekly: Microsoft taps Spark

Bill Bennett -

US giant aims for local cloud data centre region

Microsoft says it plans to build a New Zealand data centre region. It says this will be a step towards delivering “enterprise-grade cloud services in the country”.

If it goes ahead, it will mean local access for services such as Azure, Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. Before that can happen, the plan needs approval from the Overseas Investment Office.

A local Microsoft cloud data centre should satisfy the data sovereignty, security and compliance needs of government and other public sector organisations.

Some government agencies have run into problems using overseas Microsoft data centres which must abide by laws that don’t align with locally accepted practice.

Confirmation

Spark CEO Jolie Hodson confirmed that her company will partner with Microsoft to realise these plans.

Microsoft says its plans include support for education programmes to give next-generation workers the skills they will need. This includes a public-private collaboration with Massey University that aims to provide skilled staff for primary industry companies.

There are already 58 Microsoft cloud regions and the company’s Azure services are available in more than 140 countries—in effect, everywhere.

Spark scores Xbox All Access partnership

In another Spark-Microsoft partnership, the two companies will bring the Xbox All Access programme to New Zealand. Spark mobile and broadband customers can join the programme and use the Xbox Game Pass online services at reduced prices. Subscribers can play dozens of Xbox games and get early access to new titles. This includes Minecraft Dungeons, which is due to launch for members on May 26.

$20 million to equip online tertiary students

The government has established a $20 million fund to help tertiary students continue their studies online. The money will fund digital devices and internet connections.

A recent survey found a little over 11,000 students don’t have the devices needed for distance learning. And at least 11,000 also don’t have home broadband.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins says all tertiary education institutions can use the fund. This includes Wānanga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and its subsidiaries, universities, transitional industry training organisations and private training establishments.

Vodafone clocks automated message spike

Vodafone says business use of automated text message services was up by as much as 235 percent a day during the last six weeks. It says it expects another spike as businesses reopen with the relaxing of Covid alert levels. Overall the company reports messages in March were up 73 percent on last year.

Skinny tweaks prepay mobile plans with Endless Data

Spark has updated prepay mobile plans for its Skinny brand. The new Endless Data plans offer customers a set amount of data at full speed. When that’s used, they can continue downloading at lower speeds. Prices start at $36 for a plan with 4.5GB of normal speed data, the top $70 plan comes with 40GB of normal speed data.

Five new regional digital hubs

Regional economic development minister Shane Jones has dipped into his Provincial Growth Fund to find $2 million for five more digital hubs. The hubs provide free WiFi, co-working space and advice for people outside the main centres. The new hubs will be at Gisborne, Katikati, Te Kateretanga O Kura-Hau-Pō in Horowhenua, Woodville and Murupara.

Vodafone cable cut chaos

Vodafone broadband and mobile services were disrupted across much of the North Island on Thursday when a contractor cut a fibre cable near Matamata. The same cable was also cut near Napier. The cut happened at 9:00am and services were restored by 1:30pm.

D-Link has taken the wraps off EasyMesh, a mesh wi-fi system for homes and home offices. The technology provides widespread wireless coverage for larger homes and has an option to use Ethernet to move traffic between nodes. There are a variety of options with prices starting at $330.