MEDIA RELEASE - Following Spark’s decision to shut down the PSTN* Network used for landlines progressively over the next five years, Vodafone today announced its plans to set up homes and businesses for the future with voice calling over broadband.

From November, Vodafone is upgrading VDSL customers with home phones on the PSTN network to voice calling over broadband (or, VoIP, voice over internet protocol). For businesses, Vodafone is launching a refreshed voice calling and internet solution designed to future-proof their communications in a simple, all in-one-bundle.

Vodafone Consumer Director, Matt Williams, said, “Voice calling over broadband is the future of calling. We’re taking the step of moving Kiwis on to voice over broadband well ahead of Spark’s PSTN shut down by 2022 so our customers can take advantage of the benefits of this technology as it evolves versus languishing on an outdated network.

“Over time, home and business customers will be able to get richer features and functionality from voice over broadband. For example, you’ll have the ability to transfer calls from your phone to your laptop, or even your watch while on the go.”

Vodafone home landline customers will receive detailed information and support in advance of the upgrade. Most will need to do nothing more than plug their phone into the back of their modem**.

For businesses, Vodafone is making it easy to upgrade to the new, future-proofed voice calling over broadband and internet solution by switching to one of their Office Net plans, including two completely new plans.

Vodafone Enterprise Director, Ken Tunnicliffe, said, “A key benefit of our voice calling over broadband and internet solution for SME businesses is providing them with an easy way of future-proofing their communications. Our research*** tells us tech often goes into the “too hard” basket even though business owners are aware of the benefits. The new solution offers businesses great value, simplicity and the confidence they are future ready.”

Effective1 November, Vodafone is offering its unlimited calling and internet plans (Office Net Unlimited+, available over fibre or Office Net Unlimited with VDSL) for $99.85 (24 month term), making this Vodafone’s best-ever value business broadband and calling bundle for small businesses. On 7 November, Vodafone is launching two new capped calling and internet plans (Office Net+, available over fibre or Office Net with VDSL) for $109.85 (24 month term), which include 200GB of broadband and the added feature of 500 minutes of anywhere calling, ideal for businesses with overseas customers or suppliers.

Vodafone voice over broadband customers all receive 24/7 customer service, and fibre customers will also have a Fibre Install Manager to help make fibre set-up effortless.

Williams concluded, “Our market-leading move to transition homes and businesses nationwide on to voice calling over broadband technology ahead of Spark’s PSTN shut down is an example of how we are committed to helping Kiwis navigate new technologies, engage with innovations and get ready for an exciting future.”

Notes to editor:

• *PSTN stands for ‘Public Switched Telephone Network’ – it is a legacy copper based technology used for landlines. Spark recently announced it will shut down the PSTN by 2022.
• **For customers with monitored medical or house alarms, they will need to call the company that monitors their alarm to find out if it relies on their landline. If it does, the provider will very likely be able to work through a solution. If not, the provider will advise the customer to call Vodafone so we can put a hold on their upgrade to VoIP. In addition, customers will have the option to opt out of going onto VoIP for the duration of any fixed term plan with us, if they so choose.
• ***Based on findings from an Enterprise Usage & Attitudes Study among NZ Businesses run by Colmar Brunton in July/Aug 2017. The study indicated 76% of businesses believe the effectiveness of their technology is as important as the effectiveness of their people. It showed SME businesses know that ICT can improve efficiency, help with acquisition and give them more self-sufficiency and control but they don’t have the time to investigate solutions.