2degrees launches 3G network

2degrees chief executive Eric Hertz

New Zealand's newest telco has today unveiled details of its 3G network as it celebrates its first year in the market.

2degrees customers can now connect to the internet using the network's mobile broadband via a handset or USB modem.

Data is available in 50MB, 512MB, 2GB or 10GB packs, with expiry dates of between 30 and 90 days - but only those in the major centres will have access to the deals.

Chief executive Eric Hertz said the company aimed to meet growing demand for more affordable mobile broadband, and deemed today's announcement "just the beginning" for the company.

He said the company was the first to provide bundles allowing New Zealanders to keep unused data beyond 30 days.

The offers include: 50MB of data for $6, expiring after 30 days, 512MB of data for $20, expiring after 30 days, 2GB of data for $50, expiring after 60 days, 10GB of data for $150, expiring after 90 days.

For a limited time customers will be able to buy a USB modem and 2GB of data, expiring after 30 days, for $99.

The catch is the offers only apply to 47 per cent of the population, or those living in 2degrees mobile broadband zones, including most of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Outside of those zones customers will need to use a $6 50MB data pack or pay the standard data rate of 50c MB.

The company has designs on building out beyond that footprint with a due diligence process underway with vendors.

2degrees said five 3G handsets had also been added to its handset range, including its first 2degrees branded handset.

Details of their plans are on the 2degrees websitehere.


- NZ HERALD