KEY POINTS:
The first material signs of Telecom's split into three units became evident today with the branding of its new network division as Chorus.
The company was required to create a separate brand for the unit responsible for running its network.
The Government has ordered the operational separation of Telecom to create a level playing field in the telecommunications sector.
Chorus chief executive Mark Ratcliffe said the announcement today was an important step on the way to being operationally separate from the other Telecom businesses, which is officially due to take place on March 31.
Ratcliffe said the name Chorus reflects the unit's role in the background with the lead stars being its customers and the products provided to their end customers.
Ratcliffe, who reports directly to Telecom's chief executive, will oversee the management of Telecom's network.
He must provide access to companies seeking to run services over the network on the same terms and conditions as Telecom's own retail division.
"We see ourselves very much in a customer-centric organisation, us playing that background role supporting them there with an equivalent access business," said Ratcliffe.
Chorus staff will mainly be based in Auckland and Wellington in separate office accommodation from other Telecom divisions, as dictated by the operational split.
The new brand will appear the side of 1,700 field service vans used by Telecom's main network maintenance contractors Transfield and Downer EDI.
