Following the recent launch of its new 3G XT network based on the WCDMA/HSPA technology on the 850 MHz frequency band, Telecom New Zealand has confirmed that sales mobile handsets and SIM cards have exceeded its expectations. The operator has achieved sales of around 25,000 units, including handsets and SIM cards, in the first five days and expects to have one of its biggest months in terms of sales yet.
 
Sales of mobile handsets and SIM cards at the launch of the XT mobile network have exceeded Telecom’s most optimistic targets.

Retail stores across the country have been steadily busy since Friday’s launch with around 25,000 sales in the first five days, setting the business on track to have one of its biggest months yet.
In the corporate market, a number of major companies have already signed up for Gen-i’s new mobility solutions including adidas, Axa, Crane Group, Harcourts, Harvey World Travel, Mainfreight and Radius Health, with more to be announced in coming weeks. Telecom Director of Mobile, Paul Hamburger says the momentum around the launch has been astounding.

“Visits to Telecom’s website during launch day were equivalent to the web traffic normally seen over a month and a half - and phones were being ordered online at a frenetic rate of one per minute,” he says.

Feedback from stores indicates that Telecom’s One Rate plans are proving particularly popular and attractive to customers, as is the new range of devices.

“Sales of our mid to high-end handsets have been stronger than expected, which is very pleasing and we can also see lots of customers using mobile broadband services on their devices,” says Mr Hamburger.

Some dealers sold out of stock on certain handsets before close of business on Friday, with Telecom supply chain teams working overnight to bring new stock into all stores in time for the next morning opening.

In preparation for launch day Telecom had significantly ramped up its sales and service operations including quadrupling staff numbers at its mobile dealer support team. Telecom’s wider team has also mobilised with staff from right across the business doing shifts in retail stores to help
manage demand and meet and greet customers.
“The overwhelming response at launch saw a number of teams work late into the night to help manage demand over the long weekend.”

As Telecom works to keep up with demand, it is focused on connecting retail customers to the new network on the day of purchase.

“Our front line teams are advising customers that if their new XT Mobile isn’t connected within 24 hours to call us on 123, and in the meantime their current device will continue to work as normal,” says Mr Hamburger.