Spark has announced a new strategic network operations partnership with Nokia, which is expected to result in a net reduction of about 80 jobs.
The company said the partnership would “accelerate the use of AI and automation and contribute to reduced network operating costs.”
Nokia will handle the daily monitoring and support of Spark’s network, while Spark will maintain strategic decision-making authority and control over all elements that contribute to its competitive advantage. These elements include future network strategy and planning, network design engineering, critical incident oversight, and complex operations.
“While we are still working through the consultation process, we expect this partnership to impact around 180 roles within our network operations team,” a Spark spokesperson said during a conversation with Stuff.
According to the spokesperson, Nokia plans to set up a local network operations centre offering “around 100 onshore positions” for Spark employees to apply for, which means the transition will lead to a net loss of approximately 80 jobs.
Nokia’s VP for Managed Services Friedrich Trawoeger said Nokia and Spark have a longstanding history of collaboration and has expressed excitement about the partnership.
“We are excited by the opportunities this expanded partnership will create, as we combine our extensive network operations and AI expertise with Spark’s track record of delivering network innovation to New Zealand.”