TelstraClear offers next gen. mobile with Vodafone

TelstraClear to offer next generation mobile with Vodafone

TelstraClear is to offer next generation mobile services after signing a three year agreement with Vodafone.

Next generation capability enables TelstraClear to build significantly on its current CDMA customer base and to offer competitive whole of business opportunities to the small-medium business and corporate sectors, while also serving consumers.

Mobile and fixed line broadband are the two growth segments in the Telecommunications industry. With a significant share of the fixed line broadband market TelstraClear is now able to offer competitive mobile data services.

“TelstraClear is now in a position to compete aggressively in the mobile broadband market,” TelstraClear Chief Executive, Dr Allan Freeth said.

“Our agreement ensures TelstraClear will have total control over our plans, handset range, customer base and international roaming is assured. Anyone considering next generation mobile or looking for simple, easy to understand plans needs to talk to TelstraClear before doing anything else.”

Vodafone is pleased to welcome back TelstraClear after the two companies ended a previous agency agreement in 2007.

“Vodafone’s advanced network coverage and speed is clearly a major drawcard as all the major mobile players bar one are using Vodafone’s network. The agreement with TelstraClear cements Vodafone’s position in the market as network of choice,” said Vodafone New Zealand chief executive, Russell Stanners.

Existing TelstraClear mobile customers will not be impacted – TelstraClear will continue to sell and support CDMA services and devices for the foreseeable future. With its next generation capability, customers with iPhones and other devices will be able to transfer those to TelstraClear’s service.

“TelstraClear believes in making telecommunications simple. It will be simple to join TelstraClear and it will be simple to understand the next generation mobile services we offer,” Dr Freeth said.

ENDS

Frequently Asked Questions

What services will TelstraClear offer?
We are planning a new range of consumer offers and updating our Bizmobile plans which will be a tweak rather than an overhaul

When will TelstraClear launch its next generation mobile services?
The exact launch date is yet to be confirmed but TelstraClear will be in the market by before Christmas.

What handset range will TelstraClear be offering?
TelstraClear will have a portfolio of handsets that customers will be able to fit to purpose. Details will be released at appropriate times. One of the advantages of the new agreement is that the GSM/WCDMA phone supply chain will offer a broader range of devices that have a better range of features.

Will TelstraClear be offering the iPhone and other Smartphone’s?
Customers who have an iPhone, other GSM Smartphone devices or Blackberry will be able to transfer and operate those through TelstraClear’s service. TelstraClear is hoping an agreement can be reached to offer the iPhone direct to market

What about data devices/service (eg: Datacards)?
Yes, TelstraClear now has a service to support our own data products services

Will TelstraClear be leveraging services and offerings from its shareholder Telstra?
Telstra’s NextG offerings are world leading and TelstraClear is looking at how it can bring the benefits of some of those to New Zealand by way of content and application services.

What about the previous acrimony between TelstraClear and Vodafone?
That is in the past. Both companies are mature operators and have moved on and are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.

Is this a re-sale agreement?
No, this is a mobile virtual network operator deal that will mean TelstraClear has complete control over all its price plans, handset range, billing and customer base.

Which company will own TelstraClear’s customer base?
As with all MVNO deals, TelstraClear will own and service its customer base. This enables TelstraClear to provide its customers with the option of buying all their telecommunications services from one operator and receiving just one bill.

Does this resolve TelstraClear’s international roaming issues?
Yes. All TelstraClear’s next generation mobile customers will be able to roam in 215 countries with minimal fuss

Why swap from Telecom?
Telecom was unable to provide complete and timely access to its XT network forcing TelstraClear to look at other options. TelstraClear is pleased with the agreement it has negotiated with Vodafone.

The CDMA agreement remains in place – so customers with existing TelstraClear mobiles will not be impacted. However, they now have a path to a next generation service with TelstraClear.

ENDS

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