2degrees set to turn up temp in mobile market

AUCKLAND – 11 May 2009

2degrees set to turn up temperature in mobile market

NZ Communications Limited, the company behind New Zealand’s third mobile phone network, has rebranded to 2degrees, as the countdown begins to its network launch in August 2009.

According to 2degrees CEO Mike Reynolds, “New Zealanders have been at the rough end of the stick for far too long.

“Most markets in the world have at least three network operators and quite a number have more. There is no other comparable country that has to suffer such poor value in the mobile market and that can be attributed to a lack of a vibrant competitive environment,” he says.

“Almost everyone in New Zealand has a mobile phone, but they use it for far less than almost anywhere else in the world, and that’s due to the high cost.

“Our research tells us that Kiwis are tired of being locked into lengthy contracts and being stung with high prices to call friends on competing networks. They want to take back control of how much they spend and who they call,” said Mike Reynolds.

“2degrees is dedicated to bringing real value to New Zealand mobile phone users. You can choose a new 022 number or you can keep your current phone number, meaning minimal fuss when switching to 2degrees. With coverage to 97% of New Zealanders, I’m sure 2degrees will be as least as good as anything Kiwis currently experience, and more importantly, much better value.”

Why 2degrees?
The theory ‘6 degrees of separation’ describes the idea that every human on the planet is connected in 6 steps. Through advancements in mobile phone technology, people are able to connect more often and in different ways, reducing the degrees of separation. Due to the size and close knit nature of our culture, New Zealand enjoys one of the shortest social distances in the world, closer to 2 degrees than 6. The new brand pays homage to the closeness of Kiwi connections.
About the 2degrees network
2degrees has committed over $250 million and is building a 2G and 3G network that is HSPA+ capable. The 2degrees network uses technology from one of the world’s leading mobile network providers, Huawei. It is capable of running on 900MHZ, 1800MHZ and 2100MHZ frequencies.

About the 2degrees company
2degrees, formerly NZ Communications, is the company that is building the third mobile phone network for New Zealanders. Company shareholders include US-based mobile communications specialists, Trilogy International Partners, as well as Hautaki Trust, General Enterprise Management Services International and Communication Venture Partners. The combined shareholders bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge which will be of huge benefit to New Zealand mobile users. In the countdown to its official launch in August, 2degrees is inviting customers to pre-register their interest on our website: www.2degreesmobile.co.nz

How closely connected are we?
In 1929 Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy proposed the idea that everyone on the planet is separated by 6 steps, however it was in 1967 that the first documented study (Travers & Milgram) was undertaken as to how closely connected people are. From a sample of 64 people it was found that the average number of hops for a letter to travel from Nebraska to Boston was 6.2, which gave rise to the concept of six degrees of separation among people.

With the growth of the internet, and greater online social networks the 1967 outcome was tested by the Microsoft study (Horvitz & Leskovec) in 2006 where 30 billion conversations among 180 million people were analysed. The findings supported the earlier study with an average of 6.6 degrees of separation.

New Zealand is said to be a nirvana for social network researchers (Prof. Rob Allen – Auckland University of Technology) with anecdotal findings suggesting that we are actually much more closely connected with as little as two degrees of separation (David Farrar – Internet Commentator).

Q AND A

BRAND

Why 2degrees?
In 1929 Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy proposed the idea that everyone on the planet is separated by six steps. The premise became known as ‘six degrees of separation’.

In 2006 Microsoft conducted a planetary scale experiment to test the theory. They studied 180 million people and 30 million instant messages and found that on average people were separated by 6.6 steps.

Respected academics and journalists have covered the story and in 2006 proposed that New Zealand enjoys one of the shortest social distances in the world - more like 2, rather than 6 steps.

Our aim is to foster and support the special closeness of connection that exists in New Zealand.

So, allow us to introduce ourselves, we are: ‘2degrees mobile’.

Why will New Zealanders want to switch to 2degrees?
We’ll make things simple. We’ll offer great value with no surprises, so people won’t have to think twice about staying connected.

To simplify things even further, consumers will be able to bring their current phone number with them when they join 2degrees. It’s no fuss to move to 2degrees.

HOW IT’S GOING TO WORK

How will it work?
Pop in your new 2degrees SIM card and you’re good to go – simple.

Will I be able to bring my mobile number with me?
Yes, you can stay on your current number or you can pick your own – and we’ve got 10 million 022 numbers to choose from!

Will my handset work?
GSM handsets will work on our network. All you’ll need to do is put a 2degrees SIM card into your phone.

Will I be able to get a fancy new handset as part of the deal?
We’ll have a range of great handsets from the leading brands. So, if you need a new phone, hang on and wait to see our offers.

Will I be able to surf, TXT and download email on my mobile?
Of course!

PRICE

Will 2degrees offer lower rates than existing mobile companies?
Naturally we cannot reveal our pricing and payment methods today. But rest assured they will set new benchmarks in New Zealand.

COVERAGE

What will your coverage be like?
2degrees coverage will reach about 97% of where New Zealanders are. We know that New Zealand will not settle for anything less than a reliable solid national network and that is what we will deliver.

Will I be able to travel overseas with 2degrees?
Yes. Roaming will be available to the major travel destinations visited by Kiwis.

SERVICE

What is your approach to customer service going to be?
Well, for a start it will be FREE. A call from your mobile to our customer care team – that are based in Auckland - won’t cost you a cent.

TECHNOLOGY

What’s the technology?
We’ve committed over $250 million on building a network that is 2G, 3G and HSPA+ capable.

The network is being built using technology from one of the world’s leading telecommunications providers, Huawei. It uses 900MHZ, 1800MHZ and 2100MHZ frequencies.

OWNERSHIP

Who is behind 2degrees?
Two Degrees Mobile Limited is the Company that has built the third mobile phone network for New Zealand.

2degrees is a partnership of Maori and international investors that specialize in mobile communications. Together they bring a wealth of local insight and international experience.

ENDS

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