IPTV service from Vodafone NZ
October 4, 2013
By Colin Mann
Vodafone has unveiled New Zealand’s first – and only – full TV service using the new ultra-fast broadband network, giving Kiwis a real incentive to move to fibre.
In partnership with New Zealand’s national television networks – SKY, TVNZ, MediaWorks and Maori TV– Vodafone TV gives customers a choice of Freeview|HD or SKY channels and 36 channels of pay per view movies, including recent releases, in crystal-clear HD.
Matt Williams, Vodafone’s Consumer Director, said Vodafone TV represents the next generation of TV in New Zealand. “For some time now, industry watchers and commentators have been saying that content – movies and television – will be a key driver of fibre uptake. New Zealanders have been waiting for a compelling reason to switch to fibre and we believe Vodafone TV is just that,” he stated.
“Already Vodafone’s own fibre network passes almost 200,000 homes in Wellington and Christchurch, delivering TV and ultra fast broadband capability. And soon, Vodafone customers in Auckland will be able to watch their favourite movies and TV shows – from a choice of up to 150 channels – with incredible picture quality and brilliant sound over their ultra fast broadband connection.”
SKY Chief Executive John Fellet said that SKY had long embraced the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband, saying that it was great to see Vodafone TV using the digital rights it had purchased. “Kiwis now have even more choice when it comes to watching television.”
Sam Irvine, General Manager at Freeview New Zealand, added that with the digital switchover, customers had another choice – Vodafone TV – to get access to the Freeview|HD channels.
Vodafone TV is available as part of Vodafone Red Home – a complete home communications package offering TV, superfast broadband and home calling options, all in one plan, with one bill.
Vodafone TV and Vodafone’s Ultra Fast Broadband plans will initially be available in parts of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Vodafone’s Ultra Fast Broadband plans are also available in Whangarei, Palmerston North and Dunedin. More areas will be announced soon.
The Vodafone TV Digital Recorder rental is free with new 80GB Ultra Fast plans and above, when you have the Vodafone TV with SKY option. For customers choosing the Freeview|HD option, it is free with the 250GB Ultra Fast plans.
Vodafone’s Ultra Fast plans are available from Friday 4 October – Vodafone TV is available in Auckland from 1 November.
The IPTV service is powered by set-top box software specialist Digisoft.tv’s OS.