CLEAR looks to add to wireless portfolio

Friday, 20 October 2000

CLEAR looks to add to wireless portfolio

CLEAR Communications' Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos today announced the company's intention to bid for spectrum in the current mobility auction.

Mr Kaliaropoulos said that, after a review of CLEAR's strategic options, the company had chosen to take a stronger position in the growing mobile market. With New Zealand's mobile market currently at 40 percent penetration, and broadband mobile technology developing quickly, CLEAR believes there is ample room for growth and for innovation in terms of mobility technology and solutions.

"This decision closely aligns CLEAR's strategy with BT's stated goal of becoming a global leader in wireless, broadband and IP."

For strategic reasons, Mr Kaliaropoulos said CLEAR would not reveal whether it was interested in 2G or 3G spectrum, or both.

Mr Kaliaropoulos, who joined CLEAR from Singapore's StarHub in October, says the company is looking to grow its range of mobility and wireless solutions, which includes an LMDS service launched in June and the CLEAR Wireless high-speed Internet access service announced in September. "Our investment intentions have been encouraged by the industry framework proposed by the Government's Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications," said Mr Kaliaropoulos. "That framework, if implemented, will provide the certainty that underlies a positive environment for global investment in New Zealand telecommunications."

ENDS

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