TelstraClear third player in mobile market

After years of false starts and empty promises that it will enter the mobile network business in New Zealand, it looks like TelstraClear is actually going to do it this time. TelstraClear has cemented an agreement with Telecom to make use of its network while it builds its own. This will enable TelstraClear to be the third mobile network in New Zealand. TelstraClear will launch its mobile service later this year.

The deal allows TelstraClear to sell branded handsets, with bundles and pricing plans that are different to Telecom's. The agreement allows TelstraClear to make use of Telecoms CDMA phone network. TelstraClear previously has a mobile agency agreement with Vodafone, although it was far more restrictive. That agreement expired on 30th June this year.

A Telstra spokewoman said that under the Vodafone agreement, TelstraClear has little ability to differentiate. Vodafone has made several attempts to sign a new deal with TelstaClear, however this has ultimately failed.

TelstraClear is currently New Zealands second largest provider of fixed line phone and Internet services. The agreement will allow TelstraClear to offer a single bill for all voice, data, and mobile services.

Source: New Zealand Herald, TelstraClear, Stuff

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