Telecom on target for CDMA shut-down

Telecom is making one last bid to secure the remaining customers on its old CDMA network, ahead of the scheduled shut-down due to take place on July 31.

Anyone who hasn’t migrated to the newer XT network before that date will be unable to make or receive calls or texts, or use mobile data.

As an added incentive to make the transition, users who haven’t taken action by then also may not be able to keep the same mobile number, or access voicemail messages. Telecom will offer to provide old voicemail messages on CD, but customers will have to pay for this service.

Pre-paid balances will expire on the same date, although customers with high balances can contact Telecom before October 31 to discuss refunds.

Acting Telecom CEO Chris Quin says the company has been pulling out all the stops to encourage customers to transfer to XT.

"Over the last year we have communicated through text messages, direct mail, outbound calling, emails, public notices, online messages and videos, TV, radio and print advertising,” Quin says.

"We have also activated a series of pre-closure voice announcements that customers hear before calls they make from their CDMA phone.”

The company isn’t providing details on the number of customers remaining on CDMA, but Quin says in the last few weeks the company’s retail stores have seen ‘an influx’ of customers looking to make the transition.

Are you or someone you know still on CDMA? Will you be migrating to XT, or looking at what the other providers can offer? Post your comments below.