Telecom New Zealand Announces WCDMA Network Launch

Telecom New Zealand has announced the early launch of its WCDMA overlay of its existing CDMA network - for the 13th May. CEO Paul Reynolds said the development of the Telecom XT Mobile Network had progressed extremely well and the service will be operational across the country from launch day.

Rival operator, Vodafone also recently announced that its own WCDMA network upgrade is due to be finished by the end of May - leading to a race between the two operators to the finish line.

Telecom NZ also revealed a world-first exclusive handset, the W995 from Sony Ericsson which will be available from July, before its launch anywhere else in the world.

To support the launch of its new mobile service, Telecom is rolling out a new design and fit-out for retail stores that includes a slick new layout, interactive displays and wireless hotspots. Six stores will be open with the new design by launch day with 12 further stores to be refitted over the coming months.

Telecom is investing over NZ$574 million (US$330 million) in the new network over a two year period which reflects investment in the core network, retail stores and services, and investment in fibre for backhaul.

Posted to the site on 27th April 2009