Adams calls for industry feedback on Telco Act review

Tue, 12th Jul 2016

FYI, this story is more than a year old

By Sara Barker, Copywriter and Senior News Editor

Communications Minister Amy Adams is seeking feedback on the regulation of fixed line communication services after 2020, including those on the Ultra-Fast Broadband and copper broadband networks.

Adams released an options paper off the back of the Telecommunications Act 2001 review, which will set New Zealand on the right path for communications law that will keep the economy growing and protect both businesses and consumers.

Adams says the 15-year-old law must be evaluated to allow for a system that will support innovation, investment and growth in the industry.

“We want to ensure high quality and affordable broadband services are available for New Zealanders. To achieve this, the Government is proposing to establish a durable and flexible framework that supports competition, innovation, and efficient investment for consumers,” Adams says.

Adams says the options paper aims to find out from consumer groups and industry groups how the new regime will work in reality, rather than on paper.

“The new regime is designed to increase long-term certainty in the telecommunications sector and reduce volatility. It also aims to support ongoing innovation and investment which will result in better services for consumers – meaning consistently improving speeds and quality at affordable prices,” Adams continues.

Chorus general counsel Vanessa Oakley backs the options paper, saying that it's good news for a smooth transition.

“It is pleasing to see that the Government's timetable indicates that a more fit for purpose regime can be put in place by 2020, with legislation to be passed in 2017, and that the options paper seeks comments on a stable and efficient transition,” Oakley says.

“These changes are designed to deliver a more stable and fit-for-purpose regulatory regime, which will deliver better broadband for New Zealanders. I encourage interested parties to provide feedback on the options presented in this paper," Adams concludes.

Options paper submissions are open until 19 August. To read more and make a submission, click here.