Telstra: CDMA customers avoid the Next G network rush

From
http://www.crn.com.au/News/74083,tel...work-rush.aspx

Australian telecommunication giant, Telstra, is urging all remaining CDMA
customers to act now and upgrade to the Next G network to avoid any last
minute rush when the CDMA network closes on 28 April.

Telstra Country Wide director, Gary Goldsworthy, revealed that Telstra Shops
had already recorded a spike of interest in Next G mobile services following
confirmation that the CDMA network would close later this month.

"A lot of CDMA customers have put off migrating to the Next G network as
it's human nature to leave things to the last minute," he said. "The
situation has certainly changed, as we have recorded a surge of interest in
Next G services following the announcement that the CDMA network will close
on 28 April 2008."

Given the massive interest in the Next G network, Telstra is encouraging all
customers to upgrade well before the CDMA shut off date to avoid any delays,
Goldsworthy said.

According to Goldsworthy Telstra was now in the process of contacting all
remaining CDMA customers and advising them of the final closure date. He
said that the best advice for customers who had yet to migrate to the Next
GT network was to visit their local Telstra Shop or dealer.

"As part of our retail accreditation program we have trained staff on
stand-by and in-store information to help customers make a smooth transition
to the Next G network," he said. "There are now over 60 Next G devices in
market and we have different mobile handsets for different purposes. For
example, Blue Tick handsets that maximise handheld coverage are ideal for
people living or working in rural areas and our shop staff can help
customers make the right choice, the first time round," Goldsworthy said.

He claimed that after sales support was available, with Telstra operating
the 1800 888 888 information line until 1 July to help customers who were
experiencing genuine problems with their Next G handsets.

"All these initiatives are designed to help CDMA customers move across to
the Next G network with the minimum of fuss and heartache," said
Goldsworthy.