20 July, 2006
Vodafone Welcomes Telstraclear Into Mobile Market
Vodafone NZ today welcomed TelstraClear’s plans to enter the mobile market with the announcement of its Unplugged
service, to be launched in Tauranga next year. CEO Russell Stanners says Vodafone is encouraged to see a third player
investing in mobile infrastructure.
“TelstraClear’s $50 million investment, coupled with Vodafone’s ongoing commitment to invest in its 3G network to
provide local calling and broadband services, is a positive step for New Zealand’s mobile market.
“This is an exciting time for the industry. TelstraClear’s new service highlights where mobile is heading, allowing
customers to use their phone as a mobile, home phone and for broadband,” Stanners says.
He says the fact TelstraClear is using W-CDMA 3G (Wideband CDMA) for its service is an excellent endorsement of
Vodafone’s technology. “W-CDMA 3G allows consumers access to a variety of services from their mobile. This includes
video calling, and mobile TV and downloading music. It also offers 3G datacards, giving laptop users immediate access to
internet, email and office applications and 3G mobile broadband.”
Stanners says TelstraClear’s service is a clear indication the market is open to new entrants and further regulation of
the industry to increase competition is not needed. TelstraClear is a long-term partner of Vodafone as a reseller of its
mobile products.
ENDS