Vodafone said the move would save the company money. Photo: Supplied / Vodafone
Telecommunications company Vodafone is changing its name to One New Zealand.
The company said the move was a logical next step in its development from being part of a global group to a domestic operator.
“We think One New Zealand better reflects our deep connections and legacy in New Zealand, as well as our future ambitions,” chief executive Jason Paris said.
“This move means we will have even more money to invest into our networks, onshore service, and technology solutions for our customers in New Zealand.”
The Vodafone brand came to the country in 1998 when the British based operator bought the operations of the US owned Bell South network.
When investment companies Infratil and Brookfield bought the network in 2019 they retained the right to use the Vodafone brand and connect to its former parent’s global network.
“We are keeping our strong partner market relationship with Vodafone, so our customers will continue to benefit from that via access to global roaming, IoT (Internet of Things) platform, security and network technology solutions for the business and consumer market.”
Paris said the move would save the company money, which was not detailed, which would be invested in its local network and services.
He was unfazed about similarities the name of the far-right group.
“I saw a bit of chatter, I’ve responded, and we’re confident that this brand, once New Zealanders see the action that we’re going to be taking, they’ll be proud of it,” Paris said.
The name change also means means the Vodafone Warriors will become the One New Zealand Warriors.
Vodafone has been expanding its fast 5G mobile network, but is shutting its television service, inherited when it bought Telstra-Clear in 2012.
Paris said the name change and new logo, would not alter its sponsorship of the Warriors rugby league team, nor the operation of its Te Rourou, Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation, which supports programmes for youth.
The change, which also includes a new logo, will happen early 2023.
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