Telecom Making Convergence A Reality
Telecom today set a bold new broadband target – broadband taken up by 100,000 New Zealand households by the end of 2004.
“We’ve also outlined our new approach that will let customers access any telecommunications service, anywhere and at
anytime,” said Chief Operating Officer New Zealand Simon Moutter.
“Telecom’s vision is an online facility that lets customers use whatever fixed or mobile communications or computer
device they want to get whatever information they want, whenever they want it. Let’s call it convergence in action.
“Everyone’s talking about convergence – being able to access any telecommunications service anywhere, from any
technology – and how that will improve people’s lives one day.
“Well one day is too far away for Telecom. The 100,000 target – almost three times the approximately 36,000 households
who are currently broadband connected – is more than just a number. It represents the sort of critical mass needed to
make convergence a reality.
“It is quite simple really – until a critical mass of New Zealanders use broadband on a daily basis, and experience
firsthand how it can enhance their lives – convergence will just be a lot of hot air.”
Mr Moutter said Telecom is working on radically reshaping its broadband services to ensure the 100,000 household target
is reached.
“It’s not enough to offer customers a simple connection to the network. >From now on, our focus will be on providing
content and services tailored for the broadband environment in an integrated way, enriching customers’ experience on
Telecom’s next generation Internet protocol network.
“And there’s more. By the middle of this year, Telecom will have launched a new range of fixed line broadband packages
and services aimed at meeting specific customer needs at a competitive price. For instance, more flexible plans to cater
for people who are heavy downloaders or are keen gamers, or only access New Zealand content.
“As far as Telecom is concerned, this is all just the start. A start that will see the uptake of broadband grow
exponentially. As our new advertisements say, ‘It’s a whole new world. Why don’t you join us?’.”
Visit http://www.telecom.co.nz/converge to view the ‘From the Telecom Shed to Your Place’ presentation.