More complaints about Spark Sport’s rugby coverage
Spark Sport says the All Blacks versus Canada match streamed successfully on Wednesday night, but complaints are still coming in to the consumer watchdog from frustrated viewers.
The Commerce Commission has now received 31 complaints about Spark Sport’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup. On Monday, the commission said it had received 13 complaints since the All Blacks versus Springboks game.
Spark Sport wouldn’t say how many viewers streamed the match that kicked off at 11.30pm on Wednesday, however, several streamers posted positive comments on social media about watching without any hiccups.
Spark said the vast majority of customers had a ‘‘great viewing experience’’.
On Wednesday, 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.
Spark Sport said its France v USA game also streamed successfully.
A spokeswoman said all technical aspects of the streaming platform worked well, as did the New Zealand broadband network, with no broadband network congestion or outage concerns.
‘‘Similar to other recent match days, the Spark Sport Care team helped a modest level of customers during the evening with device and set-up issues. Customers with any issues are encouraged to get in touch via help.sparksport.co.nz well in advance of the next match they wish to watch.’’
One viewer on Twitter said ‘‘64 minutes into the #NZLvCAN match and Spark Sport hasn’t missed a beat. No degradation, nothing. Well done folks.’’
But not everyone experienced glitch-free streaming.
Several viewers posted images of their frozen television screens on Spark Sport’s Facebook page.
‘‘It would be great if I could even get coverage to load. Currently getting frozen screen then the error message telling me to come back later. This is a joke,’’ one wrote.