Live Video Calls Free on Vodafone New Zealand Until the End of the Year

Any existing or new Vodafone customers with 3G mobiles can have real-time, face-to-face video calls within New Zealand for free until the end of 2005.

The announcement coincides with the introduction of new prices for 3G services as the "free until end of October" launch offer ends today.

From 1st November Vodafone New Zealand will start charging its 3G services. For Mobile TV users will pay NZ$1.50 to view a one-off 15 minute session, or NZ$3.50 per channel for weekly unlimited access of channels such as C4, Sky News and Bro'Town. This excludes Maxim which is NZ$5 per week or NZ$2 for one-off access.

All full music track will be charged at NZ$3.50 each to download, or NZ$5.99 to download two full music tracks.

Video clips and mobisodes (short episodes formatted for the mobile screen) are NZ$1 to stream (watch once) or NZ$2 each to download (save to the mobile phone's memory). Movie trailers are NZ$1 to stream and download. Premium categories (such as music videos, Maxim) are NZ$1.50 per video to stream, or NZ$3 to download.

3G games will cost NZ$7 each to download.

Customers new to Vodafone 3G will receive a Vodafone live! Starter Pack that will last 30 days from the date they activate it. The starter pack will include unlimited Mobile TV, unlimited music, sport and entertainment videos and three free full music tracks. Customers who have not used the launch starter pack prior to 1st November will automatically be entitled to the Vodafone live! Starter Pack