2001 16

January 2001

• The Government announces the conclusion of the 2GHz spectrum auction. Bidding for 2GHz spectrum closed at $133 million. The spectrum auction observed the entry of new players in the market. Second generation spectrum has been purchased by Telecom, Clear, Vodafone, Telstra Saturn and Northelia, and third generation spectrum by Telecom, Clear, Vodafone and Telstra Saturn.

• Ihug announces plans to enhance its high-speed service utilising two-way high-speed "always on" wireless service that will allow upstream transfers of up to 512kbps and downspeed connection of up to 2mbps. The "always on" service will deliver greater choice to consumers by allowing them to bypass their local loop telephone provider.

• Telecom announces a new monthly residential phone line rental for its Wellington and Christchurch customers of $29.95;or monthly residential line rental plus a choice of two value added service for $37.95; or monthly residential line rental plus three value added services for $39.95.

February 2001

• Telecom and Sky Television agree to launch nationally a range of packages that bundle telephone and digital television to Sky Television and Telecom customers. This is after a 1 year trial that offered to 6,500 residential customers, mostly in Wellington and Christchurch. Telecom and Sky Television announce that they are driving towards integration between telephone, the Internet and television.

March 2001

• Telstra Saturn switches on the first stage of its residential cable network in Christchurch, which passes around 8,000 homes. Christchurch is the company’s next step into the residential market following Wellington.

May 2001

• The process of recruiting a Telecommunications Commissioner commences with advertisements for the position appearing in local and international publications.

• The Telecommunications Bill is introduced to Parliament. This Bill contains the legislation to implement the new telecommunications regulatory regime proposed by the Government in response to the recommendations of the Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications.

July 2001

• Telecom launches its nationwide CDMA mobile phone network. CDMA mobile technology offers 10 times the capacity of analogue and three to four times that of other digital platforms.

• Vodafone New Zealand reaches its millionth mobile phone customer, bringing New Zealand’s total mobile phone users to around 2.25 million and mobile penetration to around 60 percent of the population.

August 2001

• Telecom reaches a commercial agreement with Clear Communications that will enable Clear to offer non-code access for land to mobile calls made from Telecom fixed lines.

Note: this report only covers through August 2001. It is not an indicator that key industry events have not been made after this time period.

 

Telecommunications Main

1998

1999

2000

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