Spark Taps Ciena to Scale Data Centre Connectivity Across Auckland

Spark Taps Ciena to Scale Data Centre Connectivity Across Auckland

• New service launch will support secure movement of data between modern data centres
• WaveLogic 6 Extreme will enable regional facilities across Auckland to connect at speeds ranging from 10G to 800G
• Upgrade will provide foundation for New Zealand's expanding cloud and AI ecosystem

Data centres are the foundation for digital growth, with 56 data centres in operation in New Zealand, another 20 in the pipeline and an expected NZ$10 billion being invested into data centre growth over the next decade. To meet this growing demand for secure, high-capacity data transmission, Spark Wholesale ( Spark ) is launching a dedicated Data Centre Interconnect ( DCI) service using Ciena's (NYSE: CIEN) WaveLogic 6 Extreme ( WL6e) 1.6Tb/s coherent technology. The new service will enable organisations to connect critical infrastructure and transfer large volumes of data using private, uncontended connectivity.

"New Zealand's digital future is full of opportunity. Together, Ciena and Spark Wholesale are creating the high-performance foundations that will help organisations harness AI, accelerate innovation and confidently scale for what's next. We're excited to be investing in the infrastructure that will power the next generation of growth across New Zealand," said Raj Singh, Tribe Lead, Spark Wholesale.

"New Zealand is emerging as a strategic regional hub for hyperscale and AI data centres," said Matt Vesperman, Vice President, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Ciena. "Spark is taking advantage of this opportunity, creating a foundation for delivering high-speed DCI services with Ciena's WaveLogic technology."

Spark is leveraging WL6e coherent optics running on the Waveserver platform, which is optimised to advance DCI deployments across metro, regional, and longer-distance networks. Spark is also utilizing Ciena's Navigator Network Control Suite, for comprehensive visibility and management of its network, enabling automated capacity planning, service fulfillment, and troubleshooting.

Spark Wholesale DCI is available now and delivers 10G, 100G, and 400G services, and up to 800G connectivity in the near future between regional data centres across Auckland, with initial coverage extending from Silverdale in the north to Papakura in the south. For more information, visit sparkwholesale.co.nz/dci .

About Spark Wholesale
International carriers, New Zealand telecommunications providers and channel partners use Spark Wholesale's innovative digital product portfolio to create brilliant digital experiences for their customers. Backed by our expert personnel, our fixed and wireless network are extensively connected both internationally and domestically.

About Ciena
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world's most advanced networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on  LinkedIn or visit the Ciena website.

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