HPE Partners with 2degrees to Drive AI Innovation and Ensure Data Sovereignty in New Zealand

In a significant move for the technology landscape in New Zealand, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) has announced a strategic collaboration with 2degrees, one of the country's leading telecommunications and technology providers. This partnership aims to accelerate AI-driven innovation through the development of a custom-built private AI platform, leveraging HPE Private Cloud AI. The initiative is poised to modernize 2degrees' technological infrastructure, enhance data sovereignty, and improve the overall customer experience.

The newly developed platform will create a unified, sovereign, and flexible environment for 2degrees, enabling the company to provide more agile and scalable solutions. A key feature of the collaboration is the focus on storing critical customer and operational data securely onshore in New Zealand. This move not only enhances security but also ensures compliance with local regulations regarding data sovereignty.

Colin Henderson, Managing Director of HPE New Zealand, emphasized the potential of the collaboration: “By deploying HPE’s turnkey AI factory, 2degrees is setting a benchmark for how New Zealand organizations can use AI responsibly — accelerating transformation while maintaining full control over their data.”

The partnership introduces a turnkey AI factory architecture that significantly reduces internal development cycles and optimizes network operations. This advanced setup will empower 2degrees to deliver new customer offerings with increased speed and confidence. As demand evolves, the infrastructure will allow for dynamic resource allocation across various AI use cases, ensuring that the company can scale compute and storage effectively.

Stephen Kurzeja, Chief Technology and Information Officer at 2degrees, highlighted the advantages of the collaboration, stating, “NVIDIA and HPE’s private AI solution gives us the capability to move faster, unlock deeper insights from our data, and build AI-driven solutions that make our network smarter, more resilient, and responsive to the needs of customers across New Zealand.”

The initial applications of the new AI platform include autonomous network operations, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered capacity planning. These use cases are expected to enhance the reliability of 2degrees' services and reduce downtime, which is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the telecommunications market.

Kurzeja noted the progress already made: “We’ve already seen strong results across multiple areas. For example, local AI is a critical enabler for AI-driven network operations with multiple local AI agents moving us toward a smarter, more resilient, and increasingly self-driving network that better serves customers across New Zealand.”

This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to data sovereignty, particularly as organizations worldwide navigate complex data regulations. By ensuring that customer data remains within New Zealand's jurisdiction, 2degrees is not only enhancing its operational capabilities but also building trust with its customers.

The partnership between HPE and 2degrees marks a pivotal step in New Zealand's journey towards a sovereign digital future. By harnessing the power of HPE Private Cloud AI and NVIDIA's AI infrastructure, 2degrees is positioning itself to lead in value, innovation, and growth within the telecommunications sector. This collaboration not only promises enhanced customer experiences but also sets a precedent for responsible AI use in the local market.

As both companies continue to innovate, the implications of this partnership could redefine the telecommunications landscape in New Zealand, paving the way for smarter, more resilient networks that will benefit customers nationwide.