More on the XT Network

We came a step closer to finding out whether some real competition is about to hit the New Zealand mobile market as Telecom announced more details about its XT Network today.

Thanks to Telecom I have a shiny Sony Ericsson C510 to test drive for a few weeks, and I'll have a better review for you later this week after I've done some of my own testing.

Here's a shot taken at the highest resolution on the phone:

But today I want to concentrate on just a few things that came out of the launch.

First, the announcement that Telecom were in negotiations with Apple so that the third-generation iPhone will be available on the XT network.

Whether you buy into the hype or not, the iPhone is one of the iconic mobile phones on the market. Yes, there are better phones and yes, it's a lot of cash to fork out, but having the iPhone available would be a coup for Telecom as Vodafone are currently the only New Zealand mobile phone company able to supply.

I've got an iPod touch in the hope that it would stop me wanting an iPhone. Trouble is it's done the opposite.

The intuitive touch screen, the wealth of applications as well as the music storage means the iPod touch has become my favourite gadget - and I desperately want an iPhone to complete the set.

My hope (and I know it's a long-shot) is that not only do Telecom get access to the iPhone but that it's priced competitively.

The iPhone free on a 24-month plan with a decent data cap? It would be nice, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

The second innovation is what Telecom are calling "Share Calling". This enables businesses or whanau to share minutes from an XT Network plan. This is a great idea.

Both the wife and I have top-up mobile phones and, depending on the cost of the plans, will seriously consider moving to a plan we can share.

This has the potential to save us a bit of money each month and who can complain about that in today's economic environment.?

The promise for businesses is even greater though - from my recollection up to 10 members of a business can share a mobile phone plan, and there will be some free calling between certain members of the group.

For a small business this could be a significant money saver and really could bring Telecom a competitive advantage.

As for the handsets?

The Nokia N85 is the top of the range, coming in at a swipe under $1500, while the Blackberry Bold will set you back $1199.

The Sony Ericsson W995 will set you back $999 alongside the Nokia E75 and Palm Treo Pro.

Unfortunately those prices are still way too high for gadget freaks like myself to splash out on - although it'll be interesting to see what (if any) discount will be available on the handset for signing up for a long-term contract.

So in just a few days we'll have all the details of the pricing plans (although it doesn't look like there's going to be any spectacular reduction in call costs) and I'll bring you those when they're announced.

I'm also waiting in anticipation for Vodafone to make some changes in light of its new competition.

So what do you think of today's announcments? Any handsets you really want? And would you make use of "Share Calling"? Let me know what you think.