Time's up for 025 cellphones

Raja Guru wishes he could hang on to his old cellphone number. Picture / Richard Robinson

Raja Guru is a sentimental kind of guy. He wishes he could hold on to his 025 cellphone number, but he can't.

Telecom is planning to shut down the 025 network on March 31 next year - a move that will affect about 83,000 people.

"The 025 network ... was introduced in the 1980s and mobile technology has advanced rapidly over the past two decades," Telecom consumer marketing head Kevin Bowler said.

Mr Guru, who works in the Classified Real Estate Advertising section at the Herald, moved to New Zealand from India in 2001 and bought his 025 cellphone in 2002.

It can receive text messages, but can't send them. But that doesn't bother Mr Guru. He also owns an 027 cellphone, which enables him to carry out more modern functions if he wants to.

"I feel sad that I'll have to let it go. If I had a choice I would keep it. I feel like I have a piece of history ... I still have the packaging I bought it in."

He said some people were surprised to hear he still had an 025 number.

"Sometimes when I give my number out people giggle for a second or ask what phone company I'm with."

The old cellphone had sentimental value because it was the first he had bought.

"I collect old things and anything I buy for the first time, I keep."

Mr Guru still has the first watch he bought.

"I bought my first car in 2000 and it's with my brother in India," he said.

Mr Bowler said nearly 400,000 customers had moved from the 025 to the 027 network over the past 18 months.

"Customers are being offered a range of options including discounted upgrades to meet their specific needs."