AA awards Gen-i three year mobile contract

Media release
AA awards Gen-i three year mobile contract
XT Mobile Network drives efficiencies including flexibility, increased productivity and customer satisfaction

Auckland , 22 September 2009 - Gen-i and the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) have signed a three year contract to extend their existing relationship to include Gen-i’s mobility solutions enabled by Telecom’s XT Mobile Network.

Gen-i’s new mobile services, previously provided by Vodafone, will increase staff productivity and satisfaction, deliver improved customer service, and increase business efficiencies.

AA’s Chief Information Officer, Doug Wilson, says in a slowing market people are looking to get even more value for money.Mobility solutions improve the AA’s ability to change and grow its business offerings to meet the changing needs of its 1.2 million members.

“Partnering with a leading local ICT provider for our mobile solutions was important to us,” said Wilson. “Gen-i’s ICT expertise, coupled with the new XT Mobile Network, will help us create converged communications solutions that combine fixed and mobile networks for business efficiencies.

Wilson explained that the company was only half way through its contract with Vodafone and needed a compelling reason to move its mobile business to Gen-i.

“Relationships are a key part of our success and it was important for us to partner with a mobile provider that was prepared to provide more than just a great mobile offering.

“Gen-i really came to the party. They clearly understand our needs and have demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for building on a winning relationship.

“This month we launched our AA Traffic Text Alerts service that sends traffic incident updates directly to a mobile so customers can make informed decisions about the best travel route before they leave. The service launched with a free introductory offer for Telecom Mobile customers until the end of 2009 and is a great example of a mutually beneficial activity for customers of both organisations.”

Wilson says it is important that the AA’s ICT services are delivered on a platform that meets international standards to provide the AA with the assurance and confidence that it will be able to take advantage of future mobile technology initiatives.

“We’re confident we have chosen a world-class mobile network that will carry us into the future,” said Wilson. “Through Gen-i’s relationships with its global partners we also have access to the latest innovations in mobile technology.

Wilson says that with the AA’s diverse requirements, a reliable and responsive service was fundamental to its needs.

“We have 1,200 staff located in 120 outlets, 36 licensing agencies and six call centres throughout New Zealand and needed a partner that could provide a highly responsive and flexible service,” said Wilson.

“Gen-i provides us with an excellent customer experience nationwide and its straight-forward service has simplified the way we manage our mobile business.

“We’re also delighted with the level of support our AA contractors working out in the field receive through the Leading Edge retail stores, which will save them time and increase their productivity and job satisfaction.”

Gen-i currently supplies AA with data services connecting its 90 sites through Telecom’s One Office. The new agreement is for the provision of mobile services (voice and data), including 740 mobile connections. The mobile services began transitioning from Vodafone to Gen-i in July.

Chris Quin, Gen-i’s Chief Executive Officer, is delighted with the new agreement and said the new partnership came about through collaboration and a shared vision.

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with AA to include mobility solutions. This agreement is the result of a lot of hard work by people at all levels in both organisations, and is an example of what a true partnership approach can achieve.

“Gen-i worked hard to understand the AA’s business goals and, working with Telecom, we have now put in place the foundations for a great strategic partnership with the AA.”

ENDS

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