Telecom advises Telstra network closure underway

As scheduled, Telstra has begun the planned closure of its Australian CDMAmobile network.

Following the closure Telecom customers travelling to
Australia will require a WorldMode phone as standard Telecom CDMA devices
will no longer operate in Australia.

Over the past six months, Telecom has undertaken an extensive
communications programme advising customers of the network closure and
providing information on the range of solutions available to continue
roaming in Australia.

The closure process is likely to take several days, during this time
Telecom CDMA mobiles may temporarily continue to work in some areas.

Options for customers in Australia

• Telecom mobile customers who currently have, or purchase, a phone from
the WorldMode range will continue to be able to roam in Australia on
alternative mobile networks. WorldMode phones include the Samsung W531,
OKTA Mondo and Blackberry 8830. Telecom and Gen-i have been providing
various upgrade offers on WorldMode devices to customers who frequently
roam to Australia.

• Telecom will provide customers who do not have a WorldMode phone the
option of a free loan phone while they are travelling in Australia.
Customers who loan a phone can use their own mobile number, contacts and
voicemail and will be billed standard roaming charges. Pre-paid mobile
customers are able to use a loan phone by attaching their pre-paid mobile
number to a Telecom home account.

• Customers wanting to discuss their options can contact their Gen-i
client manager, Telecom account manager, visit a Telecom retail store or
the website, or phone the International Roaming Help desk on 0800 492 120.

• If customers are unaware of the closure until they reach the airport
they can visit the Telecom Roaming kiosk located in air-side departure
areas of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international airports for
information about Telstra’s closure and options available. If required,
customers are able to buy a WorldMode phone, or pick up a loan phone for
their trip.

• As a last resort, any customers who arrive in Australia unaware of the
closure are able to visit an Optus retail store to purchase an Optus phone
which they can then use with their Telecom mobile number.

• Telecom’s WorldMode roaming service gives Telecom customers the ability
to access both types of mobile network (CDMA and GSM) using their Telecom
phone number, voicemail and text messaging in around 140 countries
including Australia.