Fonterra is moving to Telecom for its mobile services, adopting the new XT network for mobile handset and data-card services.
The deal extends an existing agreement between Gen-i and Fonterra for the supply of network infrastructure, network managed services, voice calling and access services.
It will also include mobile services and the provision of XT mobile handsets and datacards.
Earlier this year, Gen-i took charge of WAN infrastructure and management services for Fonterra’s New Zealand and Australian sites, and desk telephony for the company’s 47 global sites, among other telecomms services.
Those services were previously provided by third-party providers procured by EDS.
Despite the change in the way telephony is sourced, EDS remains an important outsourcing provider to EDS, providing core IT services hosting and storage, datacentre management, desktop support, IT security and a centralised helpdesk.
Fonterra’s CIO, Chris Barendregt, says the decision to move the majority of services to Telecom was made to reduce costs and increase service and coverage options.
“We’re confident that this will give us improved service and mobile and data card coverage in New Zealand and we expect to see significant cost efficiencies made at the same time.”