Telecom New Zealand Outlines 3G Network Launch Details

Telecom New Zealand has revealed more of the services coming on its WCDMA based XT Mobile network including changes to mobile plan charging, and a range of handset and content announcements. At a media briefing, Group CEO Paul Reynolds said Telecom is changing the game for mobile customers by having fewer plans that are less complicated and take away the guesswork.

"We have reduced the number of mobile plans on offer from 60 to just 14 - in response to customers telling us they want choosing a plan to be easy."

Telecom also revealed the final handsets that will complete the device line-up on launch day. Telecom Retail CEO Alan Gourdie said this line-up includes nine NZ first devices, two world firsts and a number of models exclusive to Telecom customers.

Devices announced include the Telecom R90, Samsung S8300, Nokia E75, LG GM310 and Telecom MF636 datacard.

Telecom also announced today some of the content services that customers will be able to enjoy over the 3G network and available through the new mobile portal called TWorld. Services included a partnership with Yahoo! to bring the Yahoo! OneSearch tool to Telecom mobile customers.

"The Telecom Music store launching on XT network early June will have New Zealand's most extensive online music catalogue. The store has 2.7 million music tracks to choose from and they will download over the XT network in seconds," said Mr Gourdie.

All the major social networking brands will be available on Telecom mobiles including Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and Twitter – with some of them featuring exclusive content and functions only available to Telecom customers.

The XT network is currently operational across the country with services due to be available commercially to customers by 29 May.

Posted to the site on 21st May 2009