Imported phones: OK for new network?

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OwenWatson

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Topic # 29612 13-Jan-2009 13:14

I'm travelling overseas soon and was thinking of buying a phone overseas that would be compatible with the new Telecom network. Is this possible? I've looked at the new network FAQ on Telecom and it doesn't mention the topic (for obvious reasons).

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Reply # 189199 13-Jan-2009 13:30

The phone you buy would have to use a 3G 850MHz network and also be unlocked to use on any network.
3G 850MHz phones are mostly from US and Canada and also on the Telstra network in Australia.

At the launch of the Telecom network you would just have to buy a Telecom sim card and put it into the phone.

OwenWatson

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Reply # 189220 13-Jan-2009 14:46

mm. . most of my travel is in Europe, so it looks a bit of a problem.
Then there's also the issue of whether Telecom would sell you a SIM card for their network, assuming they want to keep the local phone sales free of parallel importers?

freitasm

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Reply # 189246 13-Jan-2009 15:40

Most phones are at least dual-band. You can pick a device that works on 850 MHZ (USA, Telecom NZ, Australia), and 2100 MHz (Europe, Vodafone New Zealand).

Vodafone is coming with a new band - 900 MHz. Currently there are no phones that do all WCDMA bands (850/900/1900/2100 MHz) but these should be out soon.

The Apple iPhone works in 850 MHz and 2100 MHz. It means you can get one outright from Vodafone and when the Telecom network is available you can just get a Telecom SIM card and use it - the iPhone is not locked in New Zealand.

I don't see why Telecom wouldn't sell a SIM only.

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nzbnw

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Reply # 189261 13-Jan-2009 16:12

Telecom will be accepting SIM only connections to the new W850 network, however it will be a best effort service, i.e. Telecom and its partners will not provide any support for handset related enquires from those who have not purchased or obtained a Telecom approved handset.

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tonyhughes

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Reply # 189269 13-Jan-2009 16:22

Just to further clarify - handset must be 850MHz 3G, - 850MHz GSM is not good enough.

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Reply # 189274 13-Jan-2009 16:30

tonyhughes: Just to further clarify - handset must be 850MHz 3G, - 850MHz GSM is not good enough.

Good point for those new to the game

Wills1

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Reply # 191765 24-Jan-2009 10:30

Will the N95 imported work on the new network?

Would like to put my current sim in one of those. But not at Telecoms prices.

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Reply # 191766 24-Jan-2009 10:39

Wills1: Will the N95 imported work on the new network?

Would like to put my current sim in one of those. But not at Telecoms prices.

American n95 yes, NZ sold n95 no

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Reply # 191778 24-Jan-2009 11:55

Wills1: But not at Telecoms prices.

What’s that meant to mean? Telecom subsidise all their CDMA phone’s, including prepaid. My guess is this practise will continue with the new W850 network. AFAIK Vodafone does not subsidise their open term / non contracted RRP’s.

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Wills1

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Reply # 191816 24-Jan-2009 14:49

nzbnw:
Wills1: But not at Telecoms prices.

What’s that meant to mean? Telecom subsidise all their CDMA phone’s, including prepaid. My guess is this practise will continue with the new W850 network. AFAIK Vodafone does not subsidise their open term / non contracted RRP’s.

nzbnw

It means Im not going to pay telecom prices for a handset. I don't use a plan, and Im on go onebill, So a new phone will not be subsidised for me unless I sign up to a contract wihich I am not preparied to do. I make 0 calls.

Either Import, or get wifey to buy the handset with her T number from the retail store.

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Reply # 191818 24-Jan-2009 14:54

Wills1:
nzbnw:
Wills1: But not at Telecoms prices.

What’s that meant to mean? Telecom subsidise all their CDMA phone’s, including prepaid. My guess is this practise will continue with the new W850 network. AFAIK Vodafone does not subsidise their open term / non contracted RRP’s.

nzbnw

It means Im not going to pay telecom prices for a handset. I don't use a plan, and Im on go onebill, So a new phone will not be subsidised for me unless I sign up to a contract wihich I am not preparied to do. I make 0 calls.

Either Import, or get wifey to buy the handset with her T number from the retail store.

Perfect, you have other options then.

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Reply # 191820 24-Jan-2009 15:09

Wills1:
nzbnw:
Wills1: But not at Telecoms prices.

What’s that meant to mean? Telecom subsidise all their CDMA phone’s, including prepaid. My guess is this practise will continue with the new W850 network. AFAIK Vodafone does not subsidise their open term / non contracted RRP’s.

nzbnw

It means Im not going to pay telecom prices for a handset. I don't use a plan, and Im on go onebill, So a new phone will not be subsidised for me unless I sign up to a contract wihich I am not preparied to do. I make 0 calls.

Either Import, or get wifey to buy the handset with her T number from the retail store.

Yes I get that, but I think you misunderstood me? Example a phone that has an RRP of $399 will actually cost Telecom more, i.e. let’s say $599, so even a customer who buys a phone @ RRP is not paying the true cost, something that Vodafone does not do at present, and I would say this practise is likely to continue with the new W850 network.

You are of course free to import a handset as you say, but I don’t believe there will be a large cost saving as there can be compared to Vodafone’s current pricing model.

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n00dy

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Reply # 191862 24-Jan-2009 20:15

another possible issue is that you would not have a warranty on an imported phone & I dont think Telegistics (Telecom's repair devision) will accept an overseas invoice as proof of warranty, on top of that I think the CG act excludes imports. I would rather buy a phone from Telecom and get that piece of mind as well as that after sales service

Wills1

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Reply # 191867 24-Jan-2009 21:04

n00dy: another possible issue is that you would not have a warranty on an imported phone & I dont think Telegistics (Telecom's repair devision) will accept an overseas invoice as proof of warranty, on top of that I think the CG act excludes imports. I would rather buy a phone from Telecom and get that piece of mind as well as that after sales service

Thats fair comment about Telegistics, But have you seen how many 3rd party phone repair companies there are these days. I don't think thats much to worry about

ChuckiSpux

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Reply # 192791 29-Jan-2009 20:57

Hey guys,
I have the iPhone 3G on Vodafone Prepay (cost me $1000, but I have no contract to bind me to Vodafone), and most of my contatcs and friends are on Telecom (my Telecom phone is rather screen-cracked), so I'm wondering if I can get my Telecom prepay Boost account thrown on a SIM so I can throw it in my iPhone, and how expensive it would be, and who I'd be going to for warranty issues etc. as Vodafone sold me the phone.
If I can't get my old Boost account put on the SIM, will they actually have prepay SIMs available at all? In hunting through Telecom's http://www.telecom.co.nz/newnetwork/ site I have found no mention of Prepay plans on the new network...
So I'm intrigued. ANy help would be appreciated.

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