Computerworld New Zealand has been told the project, which is billing-related, was originally estimated at NZ$200 million (US$125.3 million) and was due to be delivered by IBM at the end of 2005. Two sources say the cost is likely to blow out to at least NZ$300 million. One was told by IBM, when the contract was signed, that the deal was worth NZ$200 million.

Vodafone chief technology officer Ken Tunnicliffe ' formerly with IBM ' quoted commercial sensitivity as his reason for making only limited comment.

He would confirm only that it was one of the bigger infrastructure projects, covering New Zealand and Australia, and that IBM was the systems integrator, working in both countries.

It was 'billing-related," but 'I'd rather not say what else is involved." Tunnicliffe would make no comment on the cost of the project, nor on the timing of delivery, other than to say it was 'proceeding as planned'. Nor was he prepared to comment on an end-date for the project. 'That's confidential to us. Timing is important.'

Vodafone has a policy of not talking about its technology unless it affects the customer, he says. IBM referred Computerworld New Zealand inquiries to Vodafone.