Telecom launches unlimited texting plan

Telecom is going hard out with a new marketing drive for its XT 3G network, offering a number of incentives to sign up.

The offers are valid until January 31 next year for new customers only, with Telecom dangling a $300 carrot for switchers from Vodafone willing to go on to two-year contracts.

After its $10 text promo some years ago, Telecom is again targeting large users of SMS, this time with a $12 month offer that allows customers to send unlimited texts to any mobile network in New Zealand, subject to a Fair Use Policy and an expiry date of January 2011.

Telecom is also doubling the amount of air time for customers who are willing to go onto two-year contracts, giving up to 800 minutes a month for the $150 One Rate 400 plan.

Mobile data on the 3G network is also seeing an overhaul, with a 2GB plan for $50 on a two-year contract, or $60 open term. Another $30 buys a further 2GB. A 4GB plans costing $70 on a two-year contract and $80 a month for an open term, with a $30 charge for a further 4GB is also announced. Telecom's present special offers lets customers who have purchased the 4GB plan on a two-year contract double the data allowance for free.

Telecom claims to have 200,000 customers on its XT network, which was launched in May.