Telecom plans 3G launch next month

The promised Telecom 3G mobile network will be available to customers from 6.30pm on May 13, along with a range of new devices that Telecom hopes will lift it above the smart phones and services being offered by competitors.

Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds said yesterday the development of the Telecom XT mobile network had progressed "extremely well", and the service would be operational across the country from launch day.

"This will mean world class 3G mobile service is available, for the first time, in 97% of places where Kiwis live and work."

Telecom was investing more than $574 million in the new network over a two-year period which reflected investment in the core network, retail stores and services and an extensive investment in fibre.

Telecom would sell from July an exclusive W995 device from Sony Ericsson to operate on the network.

The device would have a 8.1 megapixel camera, Walkman music player and Outlook email support.

The Samsung F480, a touch screen device, would be available exclusively through Telecom on launch day.

Dr Reynolds said the handsets were a taste of what customers would be able to use from Telecom.

"As well as the best genuine coverage across New Zealand, the XT mobile network will deliver superior network performance with faster mobile internet."

To support the launch of its new mobile service, Telecom was rolling out a new design and fit-out for retail stores with interactive displays and wireless hotspots.

Customers would not need to change their mobile number to move to the new network.

Telecom's current mobile network continued to operate would would be supported as normal following the XT launch, he said.