Sky TV appoints Vocus service partner for Sky Broadband

Sky Network TV said that it had confirmed Vocus New Zealand as its key service partner for the launch of Sky Broadband.

Chaz Savage, Sky’s director of customer service, said the companies have been working to develop and provide a solution that enables New Zealanders to “get access to all the entertainment they want, at the speed and levels of service they need.” .

Vocus CEO Mark Callander said Sky, with its reach to New Zealand homes, was well positioned to become a key player in the broadband market.

Sky customers began testing the new broadband service on December 4 and will receive it for free during the six-month trial period, the company said.

The six-month period is the amount of time testers will receive Sky Broadband for free and is not indicative of a release date, Sky said.

Vocus NZ, which is a candidate to list on the stock market next year, has more than 23 years of experience connecting New Zealand companies with the best telecommunications solutions.

The company has invested significantly in infrastructure and has more than 4,200km of fiber in the ground, enabling the delivery of sophisticated, high-performance network solutions across the country.

Vocus, which is listed on ASX, said in November that it planned to float its New Zealand business, most likely on the NZX.

The business includes Internet service providers Orcon, Slingshot and Flip, Stuff Fiber, the fiber network formerly owned by FX Networks, a data center formerly owned by Maxnet, and small energy retailer Switch Utilities.

Goldman Sachs, Jarden and Craigs have been appointed Deputy Directors.