Slingshot’s iTalk service that allows customers to make voice calls over the internet now extended to offer local numbers throughout New Zealand.   New Zealand, Auckland – Wednesday 5 July, 2006. Slingshot, part of CallPlus New Zealand’s largest 100% kiwi owned full service telecommunications company, has announced significant developments that now allow all broadband users throughout the country to start reaping the cost and time savings of VoIP technology through iTalk.   Anyone with a broadband connection can sign-up up for the iTalk service and select a local number from Auckland, Whangarei, Hibiscus Coast, Pukekohe, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin for all their inbound and outbound calling.   Annette Presley Co-Founder of Slingshot said, “It doesn’t matter where a customer lives, they can simply select a local calling number that best suits their calling needs. For example, if a student is studying in Auckland and the rest of the family is based in Christchurch, by signing up for iTalk and selecting a Christchurch local number the entire family can make unlimited free local calls between each other – this is just the beginning of VoIP technology.   “We have an exciting product roadmap for iTalk with the continued roll out of local numbers throughout New Zealand. With the recent LLU announcement the iTalk service will have the capability to become the primary phone line in the house in the future. This is very attractive to New Zealanders when you consider iTalk is only USD 9.95 a month and includes a range of smart phone features, free calling to other iTalk users and calling rates at just 5 cents to most popular destinations.” The iTalk service is available to all broadband users regardless of their internet provider and hardware can be purchased online at www.italk.co.nz or through Dick Smith Electronics stores nationwide.