Vodafone unveils UFB TV service

Vodafone has today unveiled New Zealand’s first, and only, full TV service using the new ultra fast broadband network.

Designed to give Kiwis a real incentive to move to fibre, Matt Williams, Vodafone’s Consumer Director, says 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," he says.

"New Zealanders have been waiting for a compelling reason to switch to fibre and we believe Vodafone TV is just that.

“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.”

In partnership with New Zealand’s national television networks – SKY, TVNZ, MediaWorks and Maori TV– the telco says 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.

SKY Chief Executive John Fellet is enthusiastic about the launch.

"SKY has long embraced the roll out of ultra fast broadband – it’s great to see Vodafone TV using the digital rights we’ve purchased," he says.

"Kiwis now have even more choice when it comes to watching television.”

Sam Irvine, General Manager at Freeview New Zealand, adds: “With this year’s digital switchover, it’s great that customers have 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 UFB plans will initially be available in parts of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while the company's UFB plans are also available in Whangarei, Palmerston North and Dunedin.

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 and for customers choosing the Freeview|HD option, it is free with the 250GB Ultra Fast plans.

Vodafone’s Ultra Fast plans are available from today while Vodafone TV is available in Auckland from 1 November.