Telecom's split into a network company and service wholesaler and retailer now only hangs on a law change next month and a shareholder vote later this year, chief executive Paul Reynolds has told staff.

New Zealand's first charitable telecommunications trust will launch this week, promising to match prices offered by the major networks.

Telecom has withdrawn its international voice business from sale after failing to attract a suitable price.

Consumers already under stress from rising prices are about to face another double whammy from two of our biggest companies.