It looks like those on Telecom, based in New Zealand, won’t be getting their hands on the excellent Nokia Lumia 925 as was planned. A source familiar with the carrier has informed us that the phone has evidently failed network testing and “won't be offered by Telecom”. What makes the matter worse is that the Lumia 920 was designated end-of-life (EOL) last month and indeed, that phone is no longer listed on Telecom’s website (though you can still purchase it in-store).
That leaves the network with only the Lumia 520 and ATIV S for its Windows Phone customers, but nothing in the high-end market for Nokia devices. The only positive news is that the Lumia 1020 is reportedly aiming for a September / October release window, though that too is dependent on carrier testing as well.
It’s not clear at this time what exactly caused the Lumia 925 to fail network testing, assuming the information is accurate, or whether or not it can be fixed for release. But by the sounds of it, the device has now been passed over by the carrier, meaning no release is in sight.
The Nokia Lumia 925 has been released in neighboring Australia on Optus and Telstra within the last week, but as of the end of July, Nokia could not give information on a release date or availability for the device in New Zealand, somewhat corroborating the information. Nokia Australia’s managing director, Steve Lewis, recently told the site ResellerNews “We’re currently working with those partners for the availability of the device there”.
As an alternative until we hear otherwise, shoppers can buy the device unlocked in New Zealand via MobiCity.
