Vodafone New Zealand has announced the launch of its Vodafone at home service, replacing the traditional fixed-line home phone with a new device that will allow users to simply plug their existing handsets (corded or cordless phones) into the “at home” box and carry on making calls.

Vodafone New Zealand has announced the launch of its Vodafone at home service, replacing the traditional fixed-line home phone with a new device that will allow users to simply plug their existing handsets (corded or cordless phones) into the “at home” box and carry on making calls.

Thanks to number portability customers can keep their existing phone number and take advantage of Vodafone’s new prices.

Vodafone at home National costs $39.95 per month and includes unlimited calls to any New Zealand land line number without incurring extra toll charges.

“The idea of toll calling areas is old fashioned and out of date so we’ve decided not to bother with it at all. Customers pay one price per month and can call any New Zealand landline number for no extra cost,” says says GM of Product and Services Kursten Shalfoon.

Calls to Vodafone mobiles in New Zealand will cost 39 cents per minute and calls to other mobiles are 55 cents per minute. International calls are based on Vodafone’s existing fixed-line offers.

In addition, any Vodafone fixed line international calling offer will also be offered to Vodafone at home customers.

“For the first time every New Zealander will be able to make a complete break from the old way of making phone calls. No longer will everyone need to have a Telecom land line to make and receive free local calls. Instead we’re offering free national calling to any New Zealand landline number at a price that’s cheaper than most people pay for line rental alone today.”

Shalfoon says this is a key strategy in Vodafone’s plan to move beyond the mobile market.

“We bought [the ISP] ihug and have made huge inroads with our free broadband plan offer, we’ve brought competitive business toll rates to the market and now we’re tackling the heartland of New Zealand telecommunications.”

The at home box will retail for $99 when signing up to an at home plan and will be on sale from today in three Vodafone stores – Sylvia Park in Auckland, Lambton Quay in Wellington and Colombo Street in Christchurch.

The company is also offering a discounted mobile broadband rate to those who sign up for the at home plan. Customers can buy the Broadband Everyday 1GB plan from $39.95 a month, a saving of $10 a month. Customers will need a Vodem or a Vodafone Mobile Connect Card (from $99) to access mobile broadband.

More Information http://www.vodafone.co.nz/