Vodafone New Zealand has struck legal action against Telecom New Zealand over the launch of its 3G network.

The British operator has alleged that the commencement of 3G network by Telecom New Zealand is posing radio interference problems and therefore is facing customer complaints.

While rejecting the allegation, Telecom issued a strident statement referring to Vodafone’s tactics as anti-competitive.

“This is a piece of aggressive behavior that betrays Vodafone''s insecurities about competition from Telecom's new XT mobile network, just 13 days away from launch,” said Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds.

Further, he added that Vodafone’s technical problems with coverage and other issues were substantially of its own making, and not the responsibility of Telecom New Zealand.

Maintaining its earlier announcement, he said Telecom's 3G launch will take place on the scheduled date, 13th May.