www.vodafone.co.nz

Vodafone New Zealand Limited is today (Thursday 14 August) announcing it's investing hundreds of millions of dollars to take the country into the next mobile evolution.

Having launched Vodafone live! in April the company is now increasing its investment further by building its 3G network.

This will enable customers to get faster, better mobile services.

Vodafone NZ Managing Director Tim Miles says the company is investing because it's committed to ensuring customers continue to experience the very best and very latest the mobile world can offer.

"We've watched Vodafone live! and its unrivalled offerings become a reality with more and more kiwis embracing its pioneering services. Our investment will ensure we keep raising the bar."

The first customer trials will get underway within the next six months, with a progressive roll-out within the next 18 months - initially focusing on main, urban and provincial centres.

"A number of our business customers have already put their hands up to be part of the early local launch. They recognise the huge commercial value of increased productivity and improved service that 3G will offer and want to integrate it into their operations," says Tim Miles.

"So you could be overseas on business taking a call from your office back home, while receiving an e-mail, surfing the net and downloading files - at high speed, all at the same time.

"It also further extends the possibility for IT applications to be developed specifically for mobile use."

The company has been trialling 3G in Europe and is expected to launch there by March next year.

Vodafone NZ has carried out extensive preparation and planning with its Australian counterpart and is in the process of joint vendor selection.

"This huge investment will be spread over a number of years and we'll be drawing on the very best experience from across the Vodafone Group, enabling us to fast track the process here.

"This move is the latest stage in the evolution of the New Zealand mobile market - which we've led since we launched here five years ago," says Tim Miles.

Vodafone's 3G network will work in conjunction with its existing networks and will be phased over time. It'll be easy for customers to make the transition, as they'll be able to keep the same mobile number and Sim card.

Vodafone live! customers on the existing 2.5G network will be able to enjoy the same experience on the 3G network when it launches. Internationally more than two million customers have signed up for Vodafone live! since it launched last year.