Netcomm sells 3G wireless gateways to Telecom NZ

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 05 October 2010 14:29

IT Industry - Deals

NetComm has added Telecom New Zealand to the string of telco customers around the world that have taken  its combined 3G modem, router and WiFi access point products.

NetComm managing director, David Stewart, said: "This partnership is significant in that it will introduce the fastest 3G gateway speeds to homes and businesses across New Zealand. The agreement will help to secure Telecom New Zealand's place at the forefront of 3G technological innovation by highlighting the coverage and speed advantages of the XT network."

The device, known by NetComm as the 3G21Wn supports HSPA+ at up to 21Mbps/5.76Mbps and WiFi using 802.11n at up to 300Mbps. NetComm announced sale of this to Telstra in November 2009, and has since announced sales of similar products to Etisalat in the United Arab Emirates, to Rogers Communications and Telus in Canada and to Saudi Telecom.

In an investor presentation at the end of August Stewart put the gateways at the core of the company's strategy when he set out NetComm's mission as being "To supply Telco's and ISPs globally with mobile broadband access gateways that meet their individual needs and create value for their customers."

He said that NetComm's international expansion strategy and focus on mobile broadband access gateways had resulted in significant growth in profitability in the second half of the FY10 financial year, and that the company was targeting 30 percent of its international growth from sales of the gateway into the North American market. He identified other target markets as being South Africa, South America and Poland

He credited the initial order of the gateway from Telstra with having "catapulted NetComm into the global gateway arena" by providing a key reference site and helping the company gain experience and expertise in the technology.