Spark NZ has taken a major step toward enhancing its network resiliency by successfully deploying Ericsson’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) on the Red Hat OpenStack Platform at its South Island Network Data Centre.

This deployment is part of a broader strategy to unify Spark's network infrastructure, aiming to deliver more reliable mobile voice and video services across New Zealand.

Since adopting Ericsson’s IMS solutions in 2015, Spark has relied on this technology to support essential services. The latest expansion involves the introduction of a new Ericsson IMS node in the South Island, complementing existing nodes in the North Island. By year’s end, Spark plans to migrate its remaining Ericsson IMS nodes to the Red Hat OpenStack Platform, creating a unified network capable of handling the nation’s entire traffic load. This unified approach ensures that even if one or two nodes encounter issues, the network will continue to operate seamlessly.

This deployment marks the first fully operational implementation of the Red Hat OpenStack Platform in New Zealand’s South Island, shifting Spark from multiple custom stacks to a streamlined, cost-effective solution. This transition not only reduces operational expenses but also improves scalability, offering Spark’s customers a smoother and more responsive network experience with reduced latency.

Mike Roigard, Spark’s Service Operations Lead, emphasized the importance of this development: "Deploying Ericsson's IMS on Red Hat OpenStack Platform in our South Island facility is a key milestone in strengthening our network resiliency and service quality. Customers will benefit from reduced latency, as data no longer needs to route through North Island nodes first, leading to a more robust network capable of withstanding unexpected disruptions."

Ericsson’s Head of New Zealand and Australia, Emilio Romeo, expressed enthusiasm for the project: "We are excited to support Spark in this initiative, which reinforces our commitment to innovation and network excellence. This deployment not only strengthens Spark's infrastructure but also sets a new standard for reliable, high-quality services across New Zealand."

Ben Panic, Vice President of Global Telco Centre of Excellence at Red Hat, added: "This collaboration with Ericsson and Spark showcases the power of open-source solutions like Red Hat OpenStack Platform in building a flexible and resilient telecommunications infrastructure. We’re proud to be part of Spark’s journey to enhance network performance and reliability, ensuring a superior experience for their customers."