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'Bin the traditional phone line'
Wed, 13th Jul 2011
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Orcon is to launch a new device that puts phone calls over a broadband connection, in a move it says will shake up the telecommunications industry and force down phone and internet costs for New Zealand consumers.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the Orcon Genius, which also doubles as a wireless modem, but Orcon CEO Scott Bartlett says packages will start at $70 per month.

"With Orcon Genius you can bin the traditional fixed phone line,” Bartlett says.

"This breaks Telecom's stranglehold on New Zealand and will save kiwis millions.

The Orcon Genius goes on sale on Wednesday July 20. Purchasers will be able to keep their current phone number, and choose between using the built-in handset or plugging in their own phones.

"The beauty here is that the way you use the phone doesn't change. You won't notice any difference apart from the size of your bill.

The device is also fibre-ready, Bartlett adds.

"Genius future-proofs New Zealand homes to ensure they're ready for the fibre connections we're promised with UFB.