3G Kit Being Shipped to New Zealand

Econet Wireless New Zealand says that network equipment worth US$36 million is expected to arrive this week as the company prepares to accelerate construction of its network initially in Auckland. Chief Project Director Tex Edwards said in a statement the equipment is being supplied by the Chinese firm, Huawei, which won the contract to build Econet's 3G network in New Zealand.

"After last week's announcement by the Commerce Commission of its intention to review the mobile sector, Econet took the decision to accelerate the rollout of the Auckland section of its 3G mobile network. Our site acquisition team has been active all year, but we can now feel comfortable expediting our infra-structure investment plans," said Edwards.

"An initial $36 million worth of equipment will now be arriving on the 19th of May by air rather than by sea. This equipment will installed in Econet's Albany-based switch center. Econet's has also decided to review its Auckland rollout timetable, with a view to bringing it forward as long," he said.

Edwards said Econet is currently pursuing a trial roll-out pending the conclusion of regulatory issues that the company has raised with the telecoms regulator."

Posted to the site on 17th May 2006