25 September 2006
Vodafone and Cogent partner to deliver greater telecommunications convergence to New Zealand business
Vodafone New Zealand and Cogent Communications have signed an agreement for Cogent to become a new Vodafone dealer to
provide mobile voice and data solutions in parallel with Cogent’s fixed telecommunications services, allowing businesses
across New Zealand to achieve greater benefits from technology convergence and more efficient use of their
telecommunications infrastructures.
The exclusive deal is the latest step in the development of Vodafone’s Value-Added Reseller channel, launched in October
2005. Steve Rieger, General Manager of Business Channels, says that the deal with Cogent allows New Zealand businesses
to make the most of their existing PBX infrastructure while removing duplication such as desk phones and the need to
have two voicemails, allowing them to harness the power of integrated mobility.
“Mobility allows our customers to increase productivity while reducing costs. With Cogent’s help, they can also make the
most of the investment they’ve already made in fixed infrastructure, while identifying ways of reducing their fixed
expenses,” says Rieger.
Cogent General Manager Stephan Goodburn says that combining Cogent’s nationwide sales and service network with
Vodafone’s world-leading mobility solutions is a winning situation for customers. “Cogent provides full
telecommunications services to businesses all over New Zealand, from mobility solutions to contact centres to PBX
infrastructure. This partnership with Vodafone New Zealand allows us to meet all our customers’ needs in a one-stop
shop, meaning they can get on with the business of doing business.”
The deal was signed on 22 September by Russell Stanners and Evan Johnson, the respective CEOs of Vodafone and Cogent’s
parent company Onesource, and takes effect on 1 October 2006.
ENDS