Vodafone 3G Internal trials complete?

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3g

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Topic # 3655 14-Mar-2005 16:23

I've heard that Vodafone have completed (or almost completed) their internal trials of their 3G network and that they will now be rolling it out to business partners.

Has anyone heard anything else?

I've tried to find out more (eg through our Account Manager), but keep hitting brick walls. Unfortunately our company purchases all Vodafone accounts through Telstra, which makes us one step further away from someone that can help.

Nigel H.

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 13626 16-Mar-2005 12:17

A further update...

I was looking at settings on my phone today, and went into the "Select Network" option.
Generally this just shows "vodafone NZ".

But today it showed "vodafone NZ" twice - and one had the 3G symbol beside it 8-).

I tried selecting it, but my phone went into "SOS Calls only" mode, then reverted back to Vodafone NZ. I guess that means that it looked up the list of "Who has access to 3G" and decided I wasn't one of them 8-(.

But at least I now know that I can get a 3G signal!

Ambrose_1

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Reply # 13630 16-Mar-2005 17:11

Now if only Vodafone and other nz retails (nzshop2go, studentshop) would start selling some 3G phones.

andrewcnz

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Reply # 13635 16-Mar-2005 19:09

Hi 3G. Where are you located? A 3g signal has been on in Auckland and Wellingon for while now.

3g

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Reply # 13636 16-Mar-2005 20:31

Christchurch.

I checked the signal at home (Halswell), work (Middleton) and my wife's work (Riccarton) and a signal seems available in all locations.

My work is still trying to convince Vodafone to give us access, but currently we don't fit the criteria. What they probably don't realise is that we're more than happy to give them $$$ if it helps 8-).

3g

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Reply # 13893 1-Apr-2005 07:06

I spoke to Customer Services yesterday, and the new date for the 3G system is June/July!

What is taking them so long?

jcr976

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Reply # 13896 1-Apr-2005 08:40

Its not taking them lomg they advised the middle of 2005 its now the 4th month whats the issue

3g

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Reply # 13902 1-Apr-2005 13:15

The "issue" is that the date keeps shifting - I was originally told that it was "1st quarter 2005" and that was also the date that was published on their website:

"3G is the evolution of voice and data mobile networks and is already available in Japan and several countries through-out Europe. Although the 3G network will not be available in New Zealand until early 2005 Vodafone is pleased to announce that New Zealand customers with 3G enabled devices can use the 3G networks in the countries listed below whilst roaming."

I don't think "early 2005" == "June/July" in anybody's books.

Because I work for an international company, I need access to the 3G system so I can get our products working with 3G (as that's what our customers in Europe are asking for).

I guess it gives me a good reason for a trip to our Munich office 8-).
It's a pity that it's not October...

sbiddle

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Reply # 13923 2-Apr-2005 11:25

I know in Wellington that there have been sites upgraded that are outside the initial (ie early 2004) coverage plans so this has possibly put the date back as they had quite a few more sites to upgrade. There have also been several new 3GSM only sites that are operational and several key sites (main Lower Hutt site as an example) that do not yet have any 3GSM panels in place. Rolling out an entirely new network is not a simple task and there are issues with the CDMA air interface that make things far more difficult than GSM. Telecom had some serious issues in 2001 with their CDMA rollout and I think Vodafone want to make sure things are 100% perfect, they can't afford to launch the network and it to not perform!

oktoberfest 2005 starts on Sept 19th this year BTW! :-)

Ambrose_1

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Reply # 13926 2-Apr-2005 11:45

Is the main lower hutt tower the one by the quarry? leading up to the haywards?

sbiddle

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Reply # 13929 2-Apr-2005 13:15

No, that's the Haywards site and has just recently been upgraded. The main Lower Hutt site is the corner of Queens Drive and Bunny St right in the middle of the Hutt.

jcr976

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Reply # 13930 2-Apr-2005 16:58

3G thanks for advising us what 3G is or I would have never known other wise,

cokemaster

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Reply # 13932 2-Apr-2005 20:13

@JCR Sarcasm?

I haven't noticed anything special in Palmerston North and don't really intend to use 3G for at least a year or two. Of course being a student, means I don't really need to use it at all.

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cokemaster

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Reply # 13936 3-Apr-2005 02:10

In another note - I can't seem to find the edit button.

Sorry if I offended you by that post, JCR.

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jcr976

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Reply # 13938 3-Apr-2005 14:53

No offence taken at all and I wish the edit button was there too!!

cokemaster

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Reply # 13944 3-Apr-2005 16:59

Thanks to freitasm, it is now.

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