New Zealand's new mobile network takes first step

MEDIA RELEASE

11 June 2008

New Zealand's new mobile network takes first step

It was a pretty short chat, but today's mobile call from Telecom CEO Paul Reynolds to Auckland University student Michael Moka was long enough to confirm Telecom's new mobile network is on track to be up and running by the end of the year.

The call represented the first live test of the network, which Telecom has been developing for the past year, and the young First Foundation scholar said the Telecom boss came through "loud and clear". The first words said over the network were "Kia Ora, this is Paul" which received the answer from Michael of "Kia Ora, Michael speaking."

Dr Reynolds said the new network represented Telecom making it better for New Zealand consumers and businesses alike.

"Customers like Michael know what they want from mobile services and we are working to make those services even better on our new network. Simple improvements can be powerful, like enhanced text messaging, faster mobile broadband, and the introduction of a new service to New Zealand that makes websites look great on mobile," he said.

The new mobile network has a long term evolution path that will deliver future capabilities that haven't yet been seen in New Zealand, and is the ideal complement for the company's current network and services.

"Customers will benefit from the strengths of both mobile network technologies and will be able to choose the devices and services that best suit their needs, without having to worry about what underlying technology platform it's delivered by,' said Dr Reynolds.

Telecom has committed to supporting its current network until at least 2012.

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