Orcon device 'breaks Telecom stranglehold'

Orcon Genius will launch on July 20. Photo / Supplied

Orcon will release a new device that routes ordinary phone calls over the internet - something it believes will force down phone and internet costs for New Zealanders.

Announced today, the Orcon Genius is the first mass-market device available here that will use broadband connections for phone calls.

"This is the way of the future - pretty soon all content will be transferred via your internet connection," said Orcon boss Scott Bartlett.

"You can bin the traditional fixed phone line and make your phone calls over the internet and save money. This breaks Telecom's stranglehold on New Zealand and will save Kiwis millions,"

The device, which doubles as a broadband modem, will go on sale next week. Customers can either use the handset that comes with the Genius, or plug in their own phone.

Calls will be made and received as per normal, and current phone numbers can be kept.

Bartlett says that pricing will start at $70 per month and will save some Kiwis $40 a month.

- NZ HERALD STAFF