Vodafone makes 3G call in New Zealand

September 29, 2004

The first call on Vodafone's 3G network in New Zealand marks another historic milestone for mobile users in the country. This will also be the first video telephony call made on a New Zealand mobile network.

Associate Communications Minister David Cunliffe and athlete Hamish Carter chatted via a video telephony call on the Vodafone 3G network on Monday at Nokia House, Mahuhu Cres, Parnell.

Vodafone's director of business markets Russell Stanners says Vodafone wanted to share progress with customers and demonstrate one of the exciting new services that 3G will enable - video telephony.

"We are progressing well with the upgrade of our network and are well on track to deliver 3G capable products and services by the middle of next year," says Stanners.

"Customers have enjoyed huge advances in mobile communications over the past six years and this is another step in our journey towards total mobility.

"Products and services enabled by 3G will offer customers even more choices about where they work, how they get their news and entertainment. There'll be a wider range of options about how they communicate with colleagues, friends and family including video telephony."

Stanners says video streaming, video downloads and expanded Vodafone live! content are further examples of new services and products. The 3G Mobile Connect Card is already available for customers now and it works effectively in both a 3G and 2.5G environment.

"We are working with a range of content and development partners continuing to build on our existing services to make the new capabilities, products and services a reality. In addition we are working with Vodafone Group so our customers will have a range of 3G handsets to choose from. There's not point having the technology without being able to use it in a valuable way."

Video telephony (video calling) will provide another means of communication for Vodafone business and consumer customers. Video calling is ideally used when there is a strong visual element or the need for a greater personal connection between the callers.

By the middle of next year the products and services, outlined above, will be available in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The 'roll-out' will continue to other parts of the country based on population density, demand for services and available capital.