New Zealand mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) TelstraClear said Monday it has struck a deal with Vodafone New Zealand to offer 3G services in the country.

The move suggests that Telstra’s relationship with existing network partner Telecom New Zealand (TCNZ) is not going well.

It is believed that Telstra chose to go with Voda because TCNZ is preventing wholesale access to its WCDMA network until 2011, leaving MVNOs like TelstraClear only able to offer 2G CDMA services.

Telstra was careful to point out that it will maintain its existing CDMA customer base, saying : “Next generation capability enables TelstraClear to build significantly on its current CDMA customer base and to offer competitive whole of business opportunities to the small-medium business and corporate sectors, while also serving consumers.”

The agreement with Vodafone lasts three years, and comes after a previous agreement ended in 2007.

“Existing TelstraClear mobile customers will not be impacted – TelstraClear will continue to sell and support CDMA services and devices for the foreseeable future. With its next generation capability, customers with iPhones and other devices will be able to transfer those to TelstraClear’s service,” the company said.