TelstraSaturn switches on in Christchurch

TelstraSaturn Ltd has its first Christchurch customers lighting up the company's new fibre optic network.

"TelstraSaturn is live in Christchurch," chief executive Jack Matthews said as the telecommunications giant formally launched its operations in Christchurch last night.

"We are very excited about being here. Christchurch is our next step into the residential market following our success in Wellington. This is a real milestone for us," he said.

TelstraSaturn was investing more than $200 million to bring local competition to the Christchurch telecommunications and convergence markets.

"Already, our network passes around 8000 homes, we've employed over 100 new staff, built new premises and we've introduced a new range of services and products this market has previously been unable to obtain."

Mr Matthews said that residents in Linwood, North Linwood, Avonside and Wainoni suburbs could now join the TelstraSaturn network.

"Over the next eighteen months we'll be completing the Christchurch residential build and beginning our Central Business District network rollout," said Mr Matthews.

- CHRISTCHURCH STAR