Spark New Zealand added detail to its new five-year strategy unveiled last month, vowing to improve rural coverage, while laying out plans to launch a satellite-based service next year.

In a statement, chair Justine Smyth declared its core connectivity business is its priority for capital allocation, and “we will build on our competitive advantages by investing in network and customer experiences that set Spark apart”.

CEO Jolie Hodson explained the operator will continue to invest and use AI and automation to proactively resolve network issues, and bring satellite-to-mobile to customers in the second half of the current fiscal year (ending 30 June 2026).

She added the company will explore opportunities “to monetise our network capabilities by providing our business customers with more sophisticated connectivity solutions” through its standalone 5G network and new partnership with global API aggregator Aduna.

On the financial side, Hodson noted its ambition is to deliver “stable, annuity-like returns” through consistent annual growth in free cash flow, supporting a sustainable and growing dividend over time.

Smyth will stand for re-election at the upcoming AGM in November, with plans to serve for a period of up to 12 months. She indicated in July the board is considering selecting her successor from three newly appointed directors.