Telecom NZ introduces satellite phones.(Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Ltd launching the country's first dual-mode satellite handset)(Brief article)

Asia Pacific Telecom, July, 2006

Telecom New Zealand (Telecom NZ), announced the launching of extended mobile coverage in rural parts of New Zealand, by launching the country's first dual-mode satellite handset. The Globalstar satellite would be available in August 2006. The mobile phone would work effectively when there is a clear sky.

The phone would cost approximately $1,250, plus $19 a month for the satellite link. Call costs are fixed at $1 and $0.62 a minute for outgoing and incoming calls, respectively. Telecom's rural strategy manager, David Walker, said the service would have maximum impact in productivity in rural farming areas. He added that emergency service providers have evinced interest in acquiring the sets, as these phones offer more reliable connectivity over cell-phones and...

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