Woosh launches low-cost phone services

September 14, 2005

Woosh launches low-cost phone services

Households and small businesses stand to make big savings on the cost of telephone services as broadband provider Woosh Wireless starts rolling out phone packages over its network this month.

Woosh will offer free local calling to all customers, the only provider in New Zealand to do so. Phone connections to residential customers and small businesses requiring up to two phone lines are available from $20 per month on top of its broadband plans.

All national calls and international calls to 35 destinations will cost a flat rate of 10 cents per minute, which represents significant further savings. Voicemail and caller display services will come at no extra charge.

Woosh Chief Executive Bob Smith says that after having done extensive testing with customers, the company is now able to begin offering wireless phone and broadband packages that are simple and cost-effective.

“Our phone and broadband plans represent savings for all Woosh customers of up to 50 percent on similar packages of services from other providers.

“This is a significant milestone for the company. We are pleased to have delivered the base platform from which we can continue to grow the business,” he says.

An advantage of the Woosh phone service is that it is simple to install, connecting directly to a standard or cordless telephone. As with Woosh broadband, portability is another significant advantage of the new phone service. Customers changing address within areas of Woosh coverage can simply take their phone and broadband services with them.

The focus for the phone roll-out is on Auckland first, with Wellington, Christchurch and Southland following in the next few months.

Mr Smith says broadband internet services remains core for the company, but that phone services provide an important value-add for existing customers. The highly-competitive phone and broadband packages make switching to Woosh an attractive proposition.

“Households can now have broadband and a phone connection for less than what it costs most homes for a phone line and dial-up internet, so we think this will add momentum to New Zealanders taking up broadband.”

Woosh is currently expanding its 3G broadband wireless network in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Southland and is planning its roll out in other regions. It is using voice-over-IP to offer the phone services, enabling it to deliver significant savings to customers while providing a platform for more applications in the future, such as advanced messaging services.

Mr Smith says the company is pushing along its network intensification programme as fast as it can to offer phone services to all customers that want them.

ENDS

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