Telecom New Zealand Signs Up 100,000 3G Subscribers in Five Weeks

Telecom New Zealand says that it has passed the milestone of 100,000 customers on its new WCDMA based 3G mobile network, branded XT, and has launched a special incentive for iPhone users to switch to its network.

Customers connecting an iPhone 3GS to the XT network, and taking up a 24 month One Rate 180 plan ($79.95) will receive a $600 account credit plus 240MB of free data a month for 2 years.

With local Apple online store now offering iPhones directly to customers, they no longer need to sign up with Vodafone - they can order it directly and bring it onto the XT network. Customers moving to XT are also able to keep their existing phone number including the 021 prefix.

The 3G network passed the 100,000 customer mark last week after just over 5 weeks of operation.

"We are thrilled with the number of new XT users. We are absolutely focussed on being the number one provider in mobile and XT puts us firmly on that path," said Mr Hamburger.

Telecom has been keeping a close eye on the network over this initial period and continuously using feedback from customers to optimise performance.

"We are already planning for expansions in coverage, and looking ahead to later this year when we will further enhance the network and upgrade to HSPA+, when mobile broadband speeds will increase further," said Mr Hamburger.

Posted to the site on 14th July 2009