CHORUS announcement brings milestone moment
Telecom today announced a milestone in New Zealand telecommunications history by unveiling the name of its separate
access network business unit and national field service team � Chorus.
The new identity will appear on more than 1,700 field service vans throughout the country as technicians carry out phone
installations, repairs or wiring maintenance on your home or street.
"I very much want to maintain the momentum established last year as we worked with the government, regulators and the
industry to develop our Undertakings on operational separation," Telecom CEO Paul Reynolds said today.
"Although the process of formally accepting those Undertakings is not yet complete, we are nevertheless pushing on with
the steps necessary to make operational separation a reality for our industry.
"The launch of Chorus, a Telecom New Zealand business, is a milestone moment.
"Chorus will be a truly national business, with staff in operations throughout the country and key offices in Auckland
and Wellington," said Dr Reynolds.
Chorus Chief Executive Mark Ratcliffe said he was immensely excited to be leading the newly separated business and is
looking forward to giving life to the Chorus brand by delivering excellent customer service.
"Chorus will give all service providers equal access to the local network through its exchanges, and take the lead on
significant developments like access fibre and Telecom's cabinetisation programme. This programme will deliver
high-speed broadband to New Zealanders.
"Chorus also represents the culture we want to build with our customers and within our organisation," Mr Ratcliffe said.
"We are committed to a collaborative way of doing things and look forward to working together with the industry, central
and local government and all telecommunications companies to bring better services to all New Zealanders."
Mark Ratcliffe also commented that while the Chorus name emphasises an industry perspective, it also has an equally
important human tone.
"With more than one million on-site visits a year, a personal brand was needed to identify the Chorus field services
team. The brand gives us just that, and it's great to be getting on with it," Mr Ratcliffe said.
Chorus, a Telecom New Zealand business, will formally launch on 31 March 2008.
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