Till date, New Zealanders, who wanted to get email and internet on their mobiles, had only Vodafone as an option. However with the launch of Telecom's new flagship network, XT now, that’s all changed.

Technology expert Steve Simms said, “It's certainly giving me the experience I would expect of a 3G network.”

Until the XT network is switched on next week, Telecom won't disclose price plans. However, it said that after the first minute prepay users will be charged by the second.

There won’t be any on or off-peak rate, no special plans; it would be just one standard rate at all times.

Also, calling other networks won’t be charged any penalty.

Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds said, “We're very confident these prices are competitive with the competition. They're very simple and straightforward.”

For the new network, Telecom's is offering 15 handsets however the iPhone isn't one of them.

Telecom’s main aim is to attract younger customers who can use social networking sites with a special Bebo-enabled phone.

Telecom Retail's Alan Gourdie explained, “It will also come with free text so between you and other Bebo users you'll be able to text for free and upload images.”

(via TopNews New Zealand. Contributed by Surjit Singh)