Published on the 09/02/2011 | Written by Newsdesk

Two Degrees Mobile is increasing its investment in New Zealand with a second contact centre. It is set to open in Christchurch’s CBD this year…

Chief executive Eric Hertz says the company’s fast growth demands the move.

An Auckland contact centre currently looks after the mobile operator’s 24/7 customer care.

“We’ve chosen Christchurch because it’s recognised as a centre of excellence for contact centre talent,” Hertz says.

“We expect to create about 80 new jobs by the end of this year.”

Two Degrees Mobile already has a Christchurch office for network build and operations staff, with more engineers recently hired there.

It opened its first retail store in the city at Westfield Richardton Mall last month with others planned for later this year.

Hertz says delivering customer service is a priority.

“We believe Kiwis value speaking to a local person when they call for help,” he says.

Two Degrees employs over 350 people in New Zealand and is currently recruiting for the expansion.

Hertz says the contact centre roles are becoming specialised as the company grows its products, services and customer segments.

“The new contact centre will provide greater career options for its current customer care staff,” he says.

The company launched in New Zealand in August 2009 in competition to big players Telecom, Vodafone and Telstra. It has committed over $250 million to building a mobile phone network with shareholders including US-based mobile communications specialists Trilogy International Partners, Hautaki Trust and Communication Venture Partners.