Compass to launch as Vodafone’s second MVNO

Compass Communications will launch its own-brand cellphones and plans by March, running on the back of Vodafone’s network. But Vodafone is still sweating over whether its two“big dog” mobile partners – Orcon and NZ Communications– will launch before Telecom’s T-Day. Compass CEO Karim Hussona has now publically committed to launching within two months, saying company is now trialling its mobile network with several customers. Mr Hussona said, “Mobile is a new departure and we’ve got a lot to learn,” citing handset support as one issue the company is still getting to grips with.A second virtual mobile network operator (MVNO), B+W (owned by Australian MVNO specialist M2) has already launched. But like privately held Compass – a second-tier ISP and phone card pusher – B+W is a relative minnow. To apply some real heat on Telecom ahead of its “T-Day” 3G network launch, however, Vodafone is hoping that its two big-league partners will also live with services by June.