TelstraClear pushes quietly on towards its own cell network

By PAUL BRISLEN

TelstraClear is quietly going about its business in the race to build a third generation mobile network, organising cell sites in Auckland and Wellington.

TelstraClear has never operated its own cellular network in New Zealand, instead acting as a reseller for Vodafone. Now it is planning to move beyond that relationship by building its own network.

TelstraClear has not yet chosen a technology partner, but has shortlisted three companies, Nokia, Ericsson and Siemens.

It has not said how many cell sites it wants to build or how much it will spend on the project.

TelstraClear spokesman Mathew Bolland said the company was working on two paths in its development of a cellular network.

"Since Christmas we've been looking at sites in Wellington and Auckland, and our short-listed partners are helping with that.

"We're also looking at the regulatory issues."

These included number portability, landline to mobile call termination charges and roaming, and are as important as the network itself.

Mandated roaming would allow TelstraClear to gain access to Vodafone or Telecom's network on a wholesale basis by demonstrating its commitment to building its own network.

TelstraClear has indicated it will be using a wideband CDMA technology, something only Vodafone is looking at currently.

Telecom's 3G solution uses a different technology, EV-DO.

The Commerce Commission is investigating the price the telcos charge each other for mobile call termination rates.

The Telecommunications Users Association asked the commission to investigate, saying the present New Zealand system was costly compared with overseas' call termination rates.