[Danpoll]

Hi all,

I see that mobiles/cell phones are expensive in NZ. The question I am possing is wether I should by a top of the range video phone in the UK have it unblocked and take it over. Does anybody know wether 3g technology is down there, are the sim cards the same? etc etc

cheers
dan

[JT]

Hi Dan
Probably best to check out http://www.vodaphone.co.nz to get info you need. Dunno about expensive - wife's phone died when we got here so we went into Phones4u in Chch and bought (unlocked) Sony Ericsson T105 for $149 (plus $35 for Vodaphone pay as you go SIM). No frills phone but it goes ok. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
John
(28 degrees C again today on Banks Peninsula -I trust a grey depressing drizzle is falling on London)

[Craig]

Hi Dan,

Yes phones can be expensive, and there are places down here which will unblock your phone (a butcher's shop in Auckland for example :yes :laugh ).
with regards 3G - not 100% sure if it's in and working yet, but I do know Vodafone are in the process of completing installation of their 3G network. If I ever get a work permit I'll be looking after the network!! :hopeso

Don't know if this helps.

[Timbo]

JT. Thanks for the weather report (NOT). We really dont need reminding mate. :laugh

[Tanya]

Hi all,

I see that mobiles/cell phones are expensive in NZ. The question I am possing is wether I should by a top of the range video phone in the UK have it unblocked and take it over. Does anybody know wether 3g technology is down there, are the sim cards the same? etc etc

cheers
dan
Dan, there was an article in the ChCh Press on Saturday saying that Telecom were flicking on the 3G switch on Monday, 6 months ahead of its rivals.

It also says that it will initially be available in the central business areas of ChCh, Wellington and Auckland and in holiday spots such as Taupo, Coromandel, Queenstown and Wanaka.

[Robert]

There are compatibility issues with networks and phones here just as with Orange and the others in the UK. It would be wise to contact Telecom here before buying a 3G phone in the UK to ensure you buy a compatible model.
Vodafone plan to bring in 3G in 6 months and in that time, phone prices will undoubtedly have fallen.

If you have a GSM (sim card) phone, it will probably work with vodafone here.