Vodafone has taken action against Telecom's new XT Network "interference":

Vodafone in court to defend customers

Vodafone has received a number of media enquiries relating to legal proceedings over network-related issues.

Vodafone can confirm that it has begun legal proceedings following a significant rise in the number of customer complaints relating to interference on its network.

These complaints led to testing which showed serious interference to Vodafone’s network caused by Telecom’s network, which is still under construction.

Because the matter is now before the Court, Vodafone will not be making any further comment until after the matter is resolved.

AGGRESSIVE TACTICS WILL NOT STOP TELECOM BRINGING WORLD’S BEST MOBILE NETWORK TO NEW ZEALANDERS

Telecom New Zealand said today Vodafone had threatened legal proceedings over the launch of Telecom’s new XT mobile network.

“This is a piece of aggressive behaviour that betrays Vodafone’s insecurities about competition from Telecom’s new XT mobile network, just 13 days away from launch,” said Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds.

“Telecom will vigorously resist the request for an injunction, and we remain on target to bring world-class 3G mobile services to New Zealanders from 6.30pm on 13 May.”

Telecom’s compliance with the terms of its licences was recently confirmed by the Ministry for Economic Development, as part of its investigation into interference issues between the WCDMA technology used by Telecom, and the GSM technology used by Vodafone and NZ Communications.

Following a series of test measurements and analysis…Telecom’s WCDMA transmitters meet the emission limits specified on spectrum licences issued pursuant to Telecom’s management rights. (From MED letter, 9 April)

Dr Reynolds said, on the information received so far, Vodafone’s technical problems with coverage and other issues were substantially of its own making, and not the responsibility of Telecom New Zealand.

“They are now reaping the cost of this and other poor technical decisions, and attempting to lay them at the feet of Telecom, just a few days out from the launch of our XT network.

“This timing is curious to say the least, and observers will draw their own conclusions.

“Telecom’s engineers have already been working with their counterparts at Vodafone, for several weeks now, to resolve these issues and this process has been working well.  We are disappointed that Vodafone has taken such extreme steps over an issue that can be resolved in a more constructive way – and most New Zealanders will be too.

“The XT network launch on 13 May will be a great day for New Zealand mobile customers, whereas today will only be seen as a sign of desperation by a global telecommunications giant,” said Paul Reynolds.