New cable-free rural broadband and phone packages

Wireless Nation launches new cable-free broadband and phone packages for rural customers

Media release, 19 June 2008, Wireless Nation, Auckland, New Zealand: Internet service provider Wireless Nation has launched the next step in cable-free communication, offering wireless land-based broadband and telephone packages to rural and provincial New Zealanders.

The new GoWireless uplink follows an agreement between Wireless Nation and Kordia to deliver broadband access via Kordia's 'Extend' wireless network.

Wireless Nation chief technology officer Tom Linn says the company is among the first to offer packaged broadband and phone services that do not rely on Telecom's copper-wire infrastructure.

"GoWireless takes much of the hassle out of connecting the internet for rural and provincial New Zealanders. Customers can have both wireless high-speed broadband and a phone service, even if they don't have access to cable-based or other wireless networks - they don't even need a landline."

Customers can receive GoWireless broadband and a phone connection offering a download speed of 256kbps - five times faster than dial-up. The fastest package boasts a maximum download speed of 1024 kbps - 20 times faster than dial-up. The phone service offers competitive call rates such as five cents per minute to any landlines in New Zealand, Australia and China, and 35 cents per minute to any mobile phone in NZ.

Wireless Nation has also teamed up with ASB to offer significant discounts on broadband packages to ASB Rural customers, and will be showcasing their broadband-related products with ASB at the 2008 Mystery Creek Fieldays, from 11-14 June.

Linn says GoWireless provides eligible home and business customers with a cheaper and lower-latency alternative to Wireless Nation's Satellite plans.

The land-based Extend, which uses line-of-sight radio transmission to deliver data, replaces a sole dependence on satellite connections to deliver broadband to customers outside of ADSL landline, fibre-optic cable or city-based wireless coverage.

Customers can check whether they are eligible for GoWireless through the Wireless Nation website, www.wirelessnation.co.nz.

Customers outside of the GoWireless coverage area can still connect stand-alone or packaged broadband and phone services through Wireless Nation's Satellite plans.

Kordia Extend product manager Johanna Nonato says the company is pleased to have Wireless Nation on board as a retail service provider for Extend.

"We are confident that Wireless Nation will increase Extend's market reach through their speed to market, reliable support and effective marketing initiatives. Wireless Nation has adopted an innovative and cost-effective approach to delivering better broadband services to rural and provincial customers," Nonato says.

ENDS

About Wireless Nation

Wireless Nation provides wireless broadband internet connection as well as telephone services throughout New Zealand to both home and commercial customers. These services are offered through either the terrestrial Kordia Extend network, or through the IPStar Broadband Satellite - the largest broadband satellite in the world.

Wireless Nation offers network solutions, including enterprise wireless networks for farms, gated communities etc, and hotspot management for hotels, motels, resorts and similar locations requiring public internet facilities with temporary account access. The company also offers broadband-based video surveillance systems. www.wirelessnation.co.nz

About Kordia

Kordia operates and maintains a network of transmission infrastructure across New Zealand and Australia, delivering television and radio programming into homes in both countries. The company also provides customised telecommunications and converged network solutions. Previously, it was the transmission arm of TVNZ until being established as a state-owned enterprise with an independent board in 2003. www.kordia.co.nz

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