Spark ignites wireless broadband growth

Spark's strategy update prioritizes customer profitability and on-net economics through 4G and 5G fixed wireless growth.

Heath Gibson · Executive Manager – Industry Intelligence and Insights at NBN Australia24 August 2023Period: FY234 min read

Last updated 8 June 2026

30%↑

Share of Spark broadband base served via fixed wireless (FY23)

209k↑

Total Spark wireless broadband services (June 2023)

Locked

+1more stats

Companies covered:SparkOptusTPGTelstraChorusnbnSkinnyBelongVivid Wireless

Abstract

This report analyzes Spark New Zealand's FY24-26 strategy update, highlighting its successful transition of 30% of its broadband base to fixed wireless access (FWA). While Spark's total broadband base declined from a peak of 709k in 2020 to 699k in 2023, its wireless services grew to 209k. This shift toward 'owner's economics' serves as a benchmark for Australian operators like Telstra, Optus, and TPG as they navigate rising wholesale costs and seek to improve retail margins.

Key Takeaways

Spark's FY24-26 strategy prioritizes 'owner's economics' by migrating 30% of its broadband base to fixed wireless.
Wireless broadband services reached 209k in June 2023, despite the total broadband base contracting to 699k.
Rising wholesale costs for Chorus fibre plans (100/20 and 300/100 Mbps) are driving the push toward higher-margin wireless alternatives.

stakeholder implications · PDF download

Frequently Asked Questions

Operators are pursuing 'owner's economics' to bypass rising wholesale costs and capture higher retail margins. Spark New Zealand has already successfully migrated 30% of its 699,000 broadband customers to fixed wireless access to improve profitability.

The shift is accelerating, with Telstra, Optus, and TPG collectively adding 120,000 wireless broadband subscribers over the last 12 months. TPG is currently leading the Australian transition, nearly doubling its share of customers delivered via wireless networks within a year.

Fixed-line incumbents face a material threat from wireless substitution as retail providers steer traffic to their own networks. NBN Co has already seen active brownfield premises decline by 42,000 year-on-year, reflecting this loss of market share to mobile network operators.

Spark ignites wireless broadband growth

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Free

Lite

Team

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlock the full report

Free

Lite

Team