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Faced with issues about global roaming on its mobile network, Telecom has done a deal that it says will enable coverage to be extended to more than 180 countries.
The CDMA standard that Telecom uses for its mobile network is less widespread internationally than the rival GSM standard used by Vodafone.
That can put Telecom customers at a disadvantage when they travel overseas, particularly to Europe where CDMA coverage is patchy, while in Australia Telstra is closing its CDMA network next February.
Telecom does have a solution, WorldMode phones that operate on GSM and CDMA, but so far customers have had to have two numbers.
Today Telecom announced a deal with Hong Kong mobile operator CSL, which would require just one number, one mailbox, and one bill for WorldMode, as well as extending its coverage to more than 180 countries.
The three-year agreement would come into effect in the middle of the year, initially for voice and texting services, extending to mobile data before the end of 2007, Telecom said.
At least four new handsets would be launched this year at a range of prices.
Smartphones and PDAs with WorldMode capability would also be introduced.
Pricing details for WorldMode roaming were yet to be released.
Despite the CSL deal, Telecom general manager business solutions Greg McAlister said Telecom continued to evaluate future mobile technology options for services, devices and networks to meet the longer term needs of customers.
"WorldMode offers superior CDMA technology in New Zealand and on CDMA networks abroad, and GSM in other countries if no CDMA network is available in that particular destination," he said.
Meanwhile, Vodafone yesterday announced it was to compete, in conjunction with landline provider ihug, for Telecom's landline business toll call market.
The new package would bring true competition to the landline market for the first time in this country, Vodafone said.
- NZPA
