NZ Comms settles interference spat with Telecom
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NBR graphic by Paul Slater.
Soon-to-launch third mobile network operator NZ Communications tells NBR it has amicably settled a dispute over interference caused by Telecom’s XT network - at least in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Yesterday, Vodafone filed papers in the Auckland High Court, alleging Telecom’s XT 3G network, currently being tested, is interfering with its voice service; losing it customers, and threatening emergency calls. Vodafone wants the court to switch XT off, preventing its May 13 launch.
NZ Comms head of corporate communications Bryony Hilless tells NBR that her company’s 3G network - which actually sits closer to Telecom's on the radio spectrum (see graphic above) - has also suffered interference from Telecom’s XT during testing.
Ms Hilless says NZ Comms technicians identified problems that could cause dropped calls, poor call quality, or an inability to make calls, among other issues.
However, NZ Comms is not taking Telecom to court.
Rather, Telecom has agreed to install filters to solve the problem, says Ms Hilless. NZ Comms expects the filters to be installed, and the interference problem rectified, by the end of this month.
Vodafone has made no official comment on NZ Comms and Telecom’s accommodation, but one insider notes that Telecom has not offered to pay for filters to solve Vodafone’s problem - or at least, not at a commercial rate the two companies can agree on.
Life not so good in the country
However, relations between NZ Comms and Telecom are not completely rosy.
Ms Hilless says Telecom’s installation of filters will solve what she calls “the very real interference issue” in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where NZ Comms has spent around $200 million building close to 400 cell towers, and related network infrastructure.
However, outside those three centres, NZ Comms customers will have to roam on Vodafone’s network - and to that degree, says Ms Hilless, NZ Comms still has a keen interest in Vodafone and Telecom’s interference dispute being resolved.
Ms Hilless also expresses concern that although the Minstry of Economic Development's Radio Spectrum Management division has given Telecom's XT network the OK in its tests, the spectrum is sliced too thinly by the MED to begin with.
The MED says it won't comment while the case is before the High Court.
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Comments and questions7
If they accept there's a problem on the network they should fix it! Maybe Telecom could have actually got Richard Hammond to do some actual testing instead of just saying he did, eh?
Nitpicking I know, but, the ad clearly states "I can't wait to put them to the test", not that he has tested it already.
Yeah, perhaps instead of walking down a runway I should have tested the network... that would be have been a good idea.
Oh well. Off to the bank to count my fee. Toodles.
I dont see why telecom should pay for the alleged filters. I mean vodafone was the first company that brought out 3g in nz, and they didnt install the filters when they went through, isnt that lacking on their part and being inconsiderate - considering the fact that in future, other companies would bring out 3g as well. Isnt that the flaw right there?
So imho - its vodafone whos lacking here, not telecom.
Both are lacking.
They should split the cost. Look at what the Fencing Act says. It's somewhat similar. At least "the vibe" of it is.
If two neighbours need and agree to build a boundary fence between their properties, the cost is to be split.
However, there isn't a single boundary in this case. Both would need to build "the fence" on their own property. That would delay things for both and with the launch race on, neither wants to stop and put filters on.
Seems the court should make them both "build the fences." Telecom needs to then delay their launch too. Last I checked, you can't just move into a neighbourhood and throw up a five story house, even if the neighbour already has one.
BellSouth had to install filters on its network when it launched in NZ. Telstra has just installed filters on its network in Australia.
It's common practice. The offending network has to put the filters on.
There are three main types used in telecomunications. Band pass , band stop and a combination bandpass /band stop. Normally only one filter type is required to meet the out of band standards set by the MED. Where residual interference is apparent additional filters may be required. These cost, and this where the argument starts as to who pays.
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