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CASE STUDY

The University of Waikato

Kevin Adamson from the University of Waikato reports that switching to 2degrees cut mobile costs by 48% and improved service flexibility while fostering a valuable partnership.

Industry: Education
Services: Flexible plans, shared data and scholarships
Problem: High mobile costs and inflexible pricing plans
Solution: Switching to 2degrees' flexible plans.
Outcome: 48% cost reduction, improved flexibility.

Kevin Adamson, Head of ITS at The University of Waikato, noted, "By transitioning to our new mobile service provider, we achieved a substantial reduction of at least 48% in our overall mobile costs. Additionally, this switch has granted us significantly increased flexibility in how we use our mobile services, allowing for more efficient and adaptable communication across our organisation."

Why are mobiles important to The University of Waikato?

"Many of our staff members are often on call or working remotely from various locations outside of the campus. Given this, having robust mobility solutions and comprehensive support for mobile access becomes essential. In today's educational environment, the ability to stay connected and work seamlessly from different locations is not just a convenience but a critical necessity. This level of mobility and support is integral to ensuring that our institution can deliver high-quality education efficiently and effectively, meeting the needs of both staff and students."

THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
"We've had a significant reduction of more than 48% in mobile costs. That's a saving of about $200,000 per year. On top of that, we have increased flexibility in usage, with unused minutes and data rolling over each month.”
The University of Waikato logo
Kevin Adamson
Head of ITS
Image of a student sitting at a table on his mobile phone entering credit card details

What were things like before you joined 2degrees?

"Before transitioning to 2degrees, the University of Waikato encountered considerable difficulties with its previous telecommunication systems. The pricing plans in place were not only prohibitively expensive but also highly inflexible, failing to adapt to the varied and evolving needs of the university community. This lack of flexibility in both cost and service options restricted the available choices for students and staff, resulting in challenges in managing communication needs effectively.

The rigid nature of these plans hindered the university’s ability to offer affordable and tailored solutions, impacting overall efficiency and satisfaction within the institution."

What made you consider 2degrees Business?

"The university had been actively reviewing opportunities to lower our cost structures and improve mobile services for our staff and students. The All of-Government mobile contract provided the ideal opportunity to benchmark mobile services. As part of this, we undertook extensive due diligence to understand 2degrees' service capabilities, mobile coverage in both New Zealand and internationally, as well as their capability to support corporate billing to departments."

What was the key reason you decided to move to 2degrees?

"2degrees is a young and innovative mobile company, with a culture not dissimilar to the university. They were receptive to our requirements and prepared to think outside the square. 2degrees were able to provide us with details on their infrastructure build and international mobile agreements in order to accommodate our requirements."

How did the switch go?

"The university undertook a strategic approach to transitioning its staff by moving them in batches to minimise the penalty payments associated with their existing telecommunication plans. This phased transition was carefully managed to ensure that the changeover was as seamless as possible. The shift to 2degrees was executed with remarkable efficiency, demonstrating effective planning and coordination.

The smooth execution of this transition not only minimised disruptions but also ensured that staff experienced a hassle-free switch to the new service, reflecting 2degrees' commitment to providing a high level of service throughout the process."

Image of a student attending an online class on her laptop with the lecturer on the screen and the team chat on the right

Tell us about what plans you've got with 2degrees?

"Through 2degrees, both staff and students have access to mobile technology at competitive pricing. Staff moved onto flexible plans that are tailored to their usage demands. What's very useful is that each user can share data with five other devices or persons. In addition, our students and alumni, friends and family also have access to competitive plans through the university's relationship with 2degrees."

What is the major impact 2degrees has made on your business?

"We've had a significant reduction of more than 48% in mobile costs. That's a saving of about $200,000 per year. On top of that, we have increased flexibility in usage, with unused minutes and data rolling over each month. The mobile plans offer enough texts, voice minutes and data for work as well as private use. Apart from the direct business benefits, the University of Waikato and 2degrees have also forged a value-add partnership agreement that benefits us both."

Tell us more about this partnership?

"The partnership is quite encompassing. It includes a focus on ICT service, student scholarships, joint research, internships and graduate employment opportunities. Three high-profile 2degrees scholarships have been offered to students at the University of Waikato this year. 2degrees also supports a number of other scholarships."

How have you found the service from 2degrees?

"2degrees is very reliable. Coverage has been excellent, even though some of our researchers work in remote areas. 2degrees is very customer focused. Their customer service is efficient, timely and responsive."

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