Spark has TVNZ backup for ABs’ cup match

Spark Sport will move to TVNZ simulcast if any streaming issues arise during the All Blacks versus Ireland Rugby World Cup quarterfinal game tonight.

A Spark Sport spokeswoman said broadcasting on TVNZ channel Duke had been the backup plan all throughout the tournament but it had only relied on it once, during the All Blacks vs South Africa game on September 20.

She said that since the South Africa match, the streaming had ‘‘performed well’’. The company has attributed issues customers have faced since to their home set-up.

Spark Sport head of corporate relations Andrew Pirie told Radio NZ the streaming service had ‘‘no concerns whatsoever’’ regarding the volumes of people watching, or the capacity of the broadband network.

Over the past fortnight about 17,000 customers had contacted Spark Sport about a range of issues from troubleshooting to resetting passwords, Pirie said.

The Commerce Commission has

‘‘About 17,000 customers have contacted Spark Sport about a range of issues.’’ Spark Sport head of corporate relations Andrew Pirie

received more than 60 complaints about the service.

Pirie said extra staff would be working in case of any issues.

One angry Spark Sport viewer has threatened to file class action proceedings against the company for its streaming of the Rugby World Cup.

As a result of numerous complaints, earlier this month Spark Sport introduced additional customer service measures for viewers who were still experiencing technological issues with the Spark Sport live-streaming app.

These measures included providing a Freeview SmartVu streaming device free of charge, and visits to a small number of customers so that technicians could perform advanced diagnostics and tests.