TelstraClear Considering Flipping MVNO Back to Vodafone

New Zealand MVNO, TelstraClear is reported to be considering another network flip and switching back to Vodafone from Telecom New Zealand. The move is thought to be due to Telecom's decision to block resellers from accessing its WCDMA network until 2011 - leaving them selling access only on the legacy CDMA network.

TelstraClear used to use Vodafone's network for cellphones, In 2007 this agreement came up for renewal and as Vodafone decided not to renew the arrangement, 30,000 TelstraClear mobile customers were then scheduled to be returned to Vodafone. However, TelstraClear subsequently signed a wholesale mobile deal to access the Telecom New Zealand's CDMA network.

TelstraClear is unable to partner with the country's newest network, 2degrees as that network is itself relying on Vodafone's network while it builds out its network infrastructure.

An industry source told Business Day that it is not clear whether reports that TelstraClear is in negotiations with Vodafone amount to posturing by the telco, or whether it is seriously considering burying the hatchet.

TelstraClear, a landline and internet services provider, was formed in 2001 through the merger of TestraSaturn and Clear Communications, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australia's Telstra.

On the web: Business Day

Posted to the site on 25th May 2009