Friday, 20 October 2000
CLEAR looks to add to wireless portfolio
CLEAR Communications' Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos today announced the company's intention to bid for spectrum
in the current mobility auction.
Mr Kaliaropoulos said that, after a review of CLEAR's strategic options, the company had chosen to take a stronger
position in the growing mobile market. With New Zealand's mobile market currently at 40 percent penetration, and
broadband mobile technology developing quickly, CLEAR believes there is ample room for growth and for innovation in
terms of mobility technology and solutions.
"This decision closely aligns CLEAR's strategy with BT's stated goal of becoming a global leader in wireless, broadband
and IP."
For strategic reasons, Mr Kaliaropoulos said CLEAR would not reveal whether it was interested in 2G or 3G spectrum, or
both.
Mr Kaliaropoulos, who joined CLEAR from Singapore's StarHub in October, says the company is looking to grow its range of
mobility and wireless solutions, which includes an LMDS service launched in June and the CLEAR Wireless high-speed
Internet access service announced in September. "Our investment intentions have been encouraged by the industry
framework proposed by the Government's Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications," said Mr Kaliaropoulos. "That
framework, if implemented, will provide the certainty that underlies a positive environment for global investment in New
Zealand telecommunications."
ENDS