New Zealand telecoms provider Spark NZ expects its 5 G network to go live in 2020 . Spark has already started to reduce the number of cell sites on its existing network , allowing it to meet near - term capacity demand and start the process of densification needed for 5 G , said managing director Simon Smith . " The New Zealand Commerce Commission on Thursday afternoon unveiled its 2018-19 priorities [PDF], saying it will be focused on "understanding" 5G as well as working to improve customer experience across retail telecommunications. The company launched its first live trials of the network in March , with speeds of 9 Gbps outdoors and 18 Gbps indoors in Wellington .
New Zealand telecoms provider Spark NZ expects its 5 G network to go live in 2020 . Spark has already started to reduce the number of cell sites on its existing network , allowing it to meet near - term capacity demand and start the process of densification needed for 5 G , said managing director Simon Smith . The company launched its first live trials of the network in March , with speeds of 9 Gbps outdoors and 18 Gbps indoors in Wellington .