1.What is the XT Network?

It is Telecom New Zealand's branding for its new mobile network, based on 3G (third generation) technologies.

2.What technology is used on XT Network?

The XT Network is a 3G WCDMA network. Telecom New Zealand is using the 850MHz band wherever they have coverage, with some 2100MHz cell sites for infill - it can be used in some areas if overload happens for example.

The service supports WCDMA, HSPA (HSDPA, HSUPA).

3.Is the XT Network a GSM service?

No. GSM is an old standard, and WCDMA is the evolution of this standard.

4.What is the coverage of this new mobile network?

Telecom New Zealand promissed to offer the same of bigger coverage than its current mobile network, covering 97% of the country where New Zealanders are active.

5.What happens with its current CDMA network?

Telecom New Zealand will continue to provide the current CDMA service for some years, at least until 2012.

6.Can I use my current CDMA handset on the new XT Network?

No, they use different technologies. Telecom has said gift vouchers will be available to customers who are on a contract and want to move from the CDMA to XT Network. You will be able to use these vouchers when purchasing new handsets - think of them as a "discount on hardware".

7.Do these XT Network handsets use SIM cards?

Yes, they do.

8.Can I bring my own 3G handset to the network?

Yes, you can. However your 3G handset must support at least WCDMA 850MHz and must be unlocked. Here is a list of handsets that could now be connected to the XT Network.

9. How do I unlock my handset from another provider?

Vodafone New Zealand handsets are not locked. If you have a locked device from other telco, contact your current provider or seller.

9.Will the iPhone 3G work on the XT Network?

Yes, it will. The iPhone 3G is a 850MHz/2100MHz handset. If you bought it from Vodafone it's unlocked and can be used on the XT Network.

10.What are the exact specs I need on my 3G handset to connect to the XT Network?

You must have a 3G WCDMA 850MHz handset to be able to connect everywhere.

11.Where can I roam with my XT Network handset?

Everywhere. Telstra, the largest 3G network in Australia, runs on 850MHz. The AT&T Wireless 3G network service in the U.S. runs on 850MHz. And in Europe and other countries your device will connect to 2100MHz. Also handsets sold by Telecom New Zealand will be 850/2100MHz WCDMA and also 850/900/1800/1900MHz GSM (quadband). This means they will roam to a over 206 destinations.

12.What are the advantages of WCDMA 850MHz?

In short: better coverage and in-building penetration.

13.I have a Vodafone New Zealand account, can I roam on XT Network to use their services?

No. Vodafone does not have a roaming agreement with Telecom.

14.Can I call a Vodafone New Zealand number?

Yes.

15.I have a bundle that gives me free SMS/voice calls to other Telecom New Zealand mobiles. Will it be the same?

Yes, for all effect the XT Network is treated as a single billing entity with the current Telecom New Zealand network.

16.What handsets are being introduced?

Telecom New Zealand has announced a selection of handsets. We have posted a list with prices and link to high resolution pictures here.

17.When can I join the XT Network?

From 29th May 2009 9am you will be able to purchase SIM cards, move accounts from your current CDMA handset to the XT Network, request number port from other providers.

18.What is the prefix for the XT Network?

Telecom will continue to use 027 on XT Network.

19.Can I port my number from Vodafone or another provider to XT Network?

Yes, number portability is available for some time now and can be done to the new network.

20.What plans are available?

We have posted a table with plans and comments here.

21.Is mobile data available?

Yes. Telecom has APNs in place to allow for access to mobile data.

22.What mobile data plans are available?

We have posted a table with plans and comments here.

23.Can I use a BlackBerry on XT Network?

Yes, compatible models will be available. Note that if you have a BlackBerry ported from another provider you might have problems activating the PIN on XT Network. It seems RIM locks the PIN on a telco basis and makes it really hard to move to another provider.

24.Can I use Windows Mobile devices on the XT Network?

Yes, if the device supports 3G WCDMA 850MHz support and is not locked.

25.Can I use Symbian devices on the XT Network?

Yes, if the device supports 3G WCDMA 850MHz support and is not locked.

26.Can I use Android devices on the XT Network?

Yes, if the device supports 3G WCDMA 850MHz support and is not locked.

27.Will MVNO clients (TelstraClear, Digital Island) customer be on the XT Network?

Customers on those services will continue to be on the existing CDMA network. There is no current indication that moving these customers is an option - unless you port the numbers to Telecom New Zealand.

28.Can I use prepaid services on XT Network?

Yes, XT Network will offer On Account and Prepay services.

29.Will I keep credits on my prepaid account if I move to the XT Network?

Yes.

30.Will the first generation iPhone work on the new XT Network?

No. The first generaton iPhone is a GSM/GPRS/EDGE device only and the XT Network is a pure 3G network.

31.I have data cards on the CDMA network. What will happen.

Nothing. You can continue to use those data cards for years (at least until 2012), when Telecom New Zealand phases out the CDMA network. Until then you will have options to acquire different and more modern cards supporting 3G WCDMA.

32.Can I use dual SIM handsets and connect to XT Network and Vodafone network - much easier to use my bundles/plans?

Yes, if the handset is unlocked and supports 3G WCDMA 850MHz.
 
33.Do Telecom charge for call to its help desk?

No.

34.What is the APN configuration for XT Network?

You can find a XT Network APNs summary here or a longer description of XT Network APNs here.

35.Will my [handset name/model] connect to XT Network?

If it supports 3G WCDMA 850MHz and is unlocked, chances are it will work fine. However check a non-definitive list of XT Network support.

36: Will the inbuilt module in my notebook work? It says it's WCMDA 850 capable...

Some inbuilt modules are firmware locked to certain providers. The HP 2710p has a Sierra Wireless MC8775 module in it that is locked to Vodafone but a simple firmware upgrade to a generic version will get it going.

Other unlocked inbuilt modules should work fine - providing the 3G WCDMA 850MHz support is there.

37.Do I get a free handset when moving to the XT Network?

Telecom New Zealand says customers contracted to a monthly plan will be eligible for a free new mobile network handset. Handset value varies according to whether customers are resigning, upgrading or are new to Telecom:

Monthly rental plan still within contract period

If you are an existing Telecom mobile customer who is still within contract beyond the launch of the new network, you will get a free handset worth up to $149 RRP from the new range when you sign up to any 24 month plan on XT Network when it launches. This offer will be redeemable from the launch of the new network until 30 September 2009. 

Monthyl rental plan approaching the end of contract term

Option 1: Upgrade and sign up - Upgrade your handset on the current network and sign up to Telecom on a 24 month mobile monthly rental plan between now and the launch and we you receive a free handset worth up to $149 RRP from the new range when you sign up to any 24 month plan on the new XT network when it launches. This offer will be redeemable from the launch of the new network until 30 September 2009.

Option 2: Sign up only - If you are happy with your existing handset, re-sign with Telecom on any 24 month mobile monthly rental plan between now and June 2009 and you get a FREE handset worth up to $299 RRP from the new range when you sign up to any 24 month plan on the new XT network when it launches by June 2009! This offer will be redeemable from the launch of the new network until 30 September 2009. Not available with any other offer or mobile subsidy.

38.Will XT Network offer video calling?

Yes but only betwen XT Network handsets.

39.How do I place international calls from a handset connected to the XT Network?

The standard convention is to dial + [country code] [area code] [phone number]. You can get the "+" sign if you press and hold 0 on your handset's keypad. Or you can enter 00 [country code] [area code] [phone number].

The problem is that "00" only works in New Zealand. Other countries use other codes. The "+" is universal though and will work in any other country. So for easier roaming, always use "+". Actually always enter phones into the phonebook with the + [country code] [area code] [phone number] format. If you dial this within New Zealand the system knows it's a local or long distance call - you won't be charged international rates to call New Zealand number when using this format.

40.Will I hear those "bzzz bzzz bzzz" noises that come through my PC speakers or conference bridges when a GSM phone is nearby?

This is not heard with CDMA and WCDMA devices due to the spread spectrum nature of these technologies. This means the signal is spread across a range of frequencies which greatly reduces sideband interference which is what is heard on audio conference bridges and airline pilot headsets. 

41.Are the XT Network phones locked?

No, the handsets are not locked to the XT Network.

42.I am going overseas but I don't want to pay roaming charges. I don't mind not being able to receive calls on my New Zealand number - can I use another SIM card on my XT Network handset?

Yes, you can. Telecom New Zealand is not planning to lock handsets.

43.Will A-GPS be available on XT Network?

Telecom has decided not to launch with A-GPS.

44.What stores will be open 29th May 7:30am for the launch?

Telecom Retail Store, Broadway
 263 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
 
Leading Edge Communications, Hamilton
 116 London Street, Hamilton
 
Telecom Retail Store, Lambton Quay
 203 Lambton Quay, Wellington
 
Leading Edge Communications, Moorhouse Ave
 70 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch
 
Telecom Retail Store, Dunedin
 Corner George Pl & Moray Pl, Dunedin


45.Will XT Network support CSD and FAX?

Telecom has decided not to deploy these services on XT Network, at least for launch.

46.Do we need a Telepermit to connect mobile handsets to XT Network?

No, a Telepermit is not required.

47.I want to port my number from my current provider to Telecom XT Network. Shall I close my current account?

No. You should not close your current account, otherwise you will lose your number. You should go to a Telecom store and request the porting. Telecom will start the process and request your old account to be closed. You will receive a final bill from your current provider.

48.What do I need to provide to port my number to Telecom?

You will need your current SIM card, a photo id and a bill showing your customer number with your current provider. You will then fill a form, sign and wait. Whatever you do do not cancel your account with your current provider.

49.What happens when a Telecom NZ customer and mobile device is not within 850/2100 coverage, and is in GSM-only coverage?

This is dependant on the GSM provider, i.e. Vodafone.

50.What numbers can you dial from a Telecom New Zealand WCDMA device without the SIM card inserted?

There are no numbers you can dial from a device that has no SIM card. Emergency Services have asked Telecom to not allow emergency calls from XT Network handsets unless a valid SIM card is inserted.

51.When someone from overseas (inbound roamer) wants a local SIM card and chooses Telecom New Zealand, how do they obtain one? Will they be available to inbound-roamers on Prepaid Only?

Inbound roamers are able to purchase Prepaid connections just like everyone else.

52.Will Telecom New Zealand sell SIM cards any other way except a retail store?

Customers will be able to purchase a connection to the XT Network via both Online and CSR channels just as customer can do this today for a CDMA connections.

53.When I switch from my Vodafone phone to Telecom New Zealand WCDMA phone, how do I transfer my address book/contacts to the Telecom NZ SIM card?

Telecom stores have the ability to transfer contacts from a range of phones to a XT SIM. Not all Vodafone phones are supported but contacts can be transferred between SIM cards.

54.When I switch from  my Telecom New Zealand CDMA phone to Telecom New Zealand WCDMA phone, how do I transfer my address book/contacts to the Telecom New Zealand SIM card?

Telecom stores have the ability to transfer contacts from a range of phones to an XT SIM card. Not all Vodafone phones are supported but all Telecom CDMA handsets are supported.

55.Will Telecom New Zealand sell content (like a ringtone or video clip) to mobile devices not purchased from Telecom New Zealand?

If the handset is able to connect to the TWorld Content portal then the customer is able to purchase content. The caution is that not all handsets can support the content available.

56.Telecom New Zealand uses 5 zones for international pricing. Will these 5 zones stay for WCDMA?

The intention is that these five zones remain for WCDMA.

57.When I buy a phone from Telecom New Zealand, if it breaks does Telecom New Zealand fix it or someone else? If someone else, will it be in New Zealand? Is the wait time / turnaround time the same as for CDMA devices?

Telecom use a number of companies to provide technical support for Telecom sold handsets. All repairs and warranty issues are managed through the Telecom stores.

58.Can I place a video call to friends overseas who have a mobile phone with a video camera?

Currently video calling is only available between XT Network customers.

59.If my Vodafone is stolen and I report this, what stops the thief putting in a Telecom New Zealand SIM and using it?

Currently Telecom and Vodafone do not have the ability to block handsets on each others networks.

60.What happens to the Okta brand of mobile devices?

Telecom won't be selling new devices under the Okta brand.

61. What the SMSMessage Centre for XT Network?

The number is +64277439010.

62. The settings in my iPhone have the Carrier Network Selection on Automatic, instead of "hard set" on Vodafone. If I'm in a low or no Vodafone signal area, will my phone switch over and roam to XT if available?

No, because Vodafone New Zealand does not have a roaming agreement with Telecom New Zealand.

63. Is it possible to check my voice (minutes) and data (MB) usage online?

From your mobile device you can visit the TWorld portal to find this information. Alternatively, if you are using a PDA or Smartphone but not connected to the WAP gateway you can visit http://pdaportal.telecom.co.nz from your mobile device. This is only availale for XT Nework service, not for the old CDMA network.

64. Is there a time limit between top-ups to keep Prepay active?

Yes, currently you must top-up at least once every six months.

65. What happens if I have an add-on - for example SMS $6 for 150 messages - but use the equivalent of less than the $6 worth of messages?

You will be charged up to $6 for the service at standard prices, and then nothing until you reach your allowance.

65. Can I use a prepay SIM for data only?

Yes, you can.

66. Is there a way to check coverage?

There's a page with colour coded maps showing coverage around the country.

67. Who owns the SIM card?

The SIM card remains property of Telecom New Zealand.

68. Is there a list of non-Telecom handset that work on its XT Network?

We are trying to maintain a user-generated list here. If you know of any parallel handset working on XT Network, please update the list.

69. Does Twitter SMS updates work on the XT Network?

Yes, you can send and receive Twitter updates via SMS. Use the shortcode TWTR to send the update. This also works on the CDMA network.

70. How much does it cost to send or receive Twitter updates on my mobile?

Receiving updates is free. You pay standard SMS fees to send updates.

71. My Twitter is not sending my SMS updates! What's wrong?

Check your Twitter mobile configuration. You have to verify your mobile number, turn on updates for your account, set "quiet times" accordingly, and finally make sure your turn on notifications for your contacts you want to receive updates from.

72. Is there a way I can check if my mobile handset will work on XT Network?

You can try the Phone Compatibility Check tool. It will use the phone's IMEI to try and identify compatibility.

73. How can I configure my iPhone 3G to work with XT Network?

Providing your iPhone 3G is unlocked (all iPhone 3G purchased through Vodafone are unlocked) you just need to swap your SIM card, turn the phone off and on again, select Settings |General | Network, check the Enable 3G box and change the Cellular Data/APN to the appropriate XT Network APN - in this case "internet.telecom.co.nz" (without the quotes of course).

74. I have a prepaid SIM on XT Network. How can I check my current balance?

You can either check it online (see Q. 63) or send a SMS to 333 with the word BAL. You will receive a reply with your balance.

75. Is it possible to show the XT Network icon on my Apple iPhone 3G when I switch over?

Yes. Follow the instructions here.

76. How can I hide/show my calling number?

To invoke CLIR for a single call enter: #31# SEND. To suppress CLIR for a single call, enter *31# SEND.

77.On Vodafone if you are out of 3G coverage you can still connect to 2G. What happens on XT?

Note that XT network is 100% 3G on its entirety, while Vodafone is a mix of 2G and 3G.



Please post questions in this topic and the answers will be updated as needed. Do not use this topic for discussion about services, plans, handsets. This is for the FAQ only.