MEDIA RELEASE

20 December 2013

Telecom improves mobile coverage in Gisborne ahead of summer festivals

Locals and visitors to Gisborne over the summer holiday period will be even better connected with Telecom’s announcement that it has expanded its mobile network capacity across the area.

Telecom has invested $400,000 in a new cell site in the Barry Park area of Gisborne, giving those in the area access to voice, mobile broadband and text services over the mobile network that it has built specifically for smart phones.

This new mobile site is part of Telecom's commitment to bringing data and mobility to more communities.

Telecom’s Head of Public Affairs Conor Roberts says, “It’s important that communities have access to modern mobile services and this investment will ensure those who live, work and travel through Gisborne can make the most of what the Telecom Mobile Network has to offer.”

Mr Roberts says telecommunications plays a vital role in New Zealand, with people becoming increasingly reliant on mobile phones as their primary form of connectivity.

“Fast broadband and mobile services are crucial for the success of businesses, schools, hospitals, sports clubs, community organisations and in bringing people together.”

In addition to the new build in Gisborne, Telecom has also rolled in a Cell Site on Wheels (COW) to the Rhythm and Vines festival area. Telecom has a small number of COWs which it uses as a temporary coverage solution for large-scale events such as Rhythm in the Vines in Gisborne and the Big Day Out in Auckland.

The Rhythm and Vines festival held in Gisborne has become a rite of passage for more than 30,000 local and international fans and Telecom are enabling device addicts at the festival with the connection they need.

Ensuring temporary increases in capacity for the network at events like this over the summer is important to experience says Mr Roberts.

“During summer events we see huge increase in data consumption as people use their devices to share their experiences, photos and video online via the data network. To make this happen we COWs as a temporary solutions to keep our customers connected. Summer is a time for fun and staying in touch with your friends and family. We’re working to make that happen and wish everyone happy holidays,” says Mr Roberts.

In addition Telecom has six WiFi hotspots live across Gisborne providing Telecom mobile customers on a Pay Monthly and $19 and $29 Prepaid Value Pack with 1g of free WiFi per day.

If you’re not a Telecom customer you can still access the WiFi network for a small monthly fee. To find your nearest WiFi hotspot go to http://www.telecom.co.nz/whatsnew/freetelecomwifizone/

To find out more about the Telecom Mobile Network and the coverage in your area, please visit www.telecom.co.nz or visit your local store, 71 Customhouse Street, Gisborne.

ENDS

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