2degrees announces branding and plans for launch in August 2009

NZ Communications Limited, the company behind New Zealand�s third mobile phone network, has rebranded to 2degrees, as the countdown begins to its network launch in August 2009.

2degrees has committed over $250 million and is building a 2G and 3G network that is HSPA+ capable. The 2degrees network uses technology from one of the world�s leading mobile network providers, Huawei. It is capable of running on 900MHZ, 1800MHZ and 2100MHZ frequencies.

Company shareholders include US-based mobile communications specialists, Trilogy International Partners, as well as Hautaki Trust, General Enterprise Management Services International and Communication Venture Partners.

According to 2degrees CEO Mike Reynolds, �New Zealanders have been at the rough end of the stick for far too long.

�Most markets in the world have at least three network operators and quite a number have more. There is no other comparable country that has to suffer such poor value in the mobile market and that can be attributed to a lack of a vibrant competitive environment,� he says.

�Almost everyone in New Zealand has a mobile phone, but they use it for far less than almost anywhere else in the world, and that�s due to the high cost.

�Our research tells us that Kiwis are tired of being locked into lengthy contracts and being stung with high prices to call friends on competing networks. They want to take back control of how much they spend and who they call,� said Mike Reynolds.

�2degrees is dedicated to bringing real value to New Zealand mobile phone users. You can choose a new 022 number or you can keep your current phone number, meaning minimal fuss when switching to 2degrees. With coverage to 97% of New Zealanders, I�m sure 2degrees will be as least as good as anything Kiwis currently experience, and more importantly, much better value.�

The company got the idea of "2degrees" branding because of the short social distance between people in New Zealand. Comparing with the theory of �six degrees of separation� that says that every human on the planet is connected in six steps, New Zealand enjoys one of the shortest social distances in the world, closer to two degrees than six. The new brand pays homage to the closeness of Kiwi connections.