Published 14/04/2016

Chorus today welcomes the Government's announcement on a series of high-level policy decisions on the future of regulation in the telecommunications sector.

These policy decisions include:

  • Moving to a utility-style model for regulating both fixed-line copper and fibre wholesale services;
  • The utility-style model could include anchor products for basic voice and basic broadbandwith reference to entry level prices in the market; and
  • Retaining the current unbundling requirements on the UFBnetwork from 2020.

'New Zealanders are known for being early adopters of new technology, and we're seeing that again with uptake of fibre broadbandservices. New Zealanders are leveraging better broadbandto enhance their social wellbeing and business success asan essential utility - much like electricity, water and gas' said Chorus CEO Mark Ratcliffe.

'Today's announcement by the Government effectively recognises broadbandasthe fourth utility.'

The Government has indicated that there will be further consultation on detailed design and implementation issues later this year.

'There is a range of detail, transitional and other policy choices to work through and we look forward to early engagement on this,' said Mark Ratcliffe.

ENDS

For further information:

Nathan Beaumont

Stakeholder Communications Manager

Mobile: 021 243 8412

Email: Nathan.beaumont@chorus.co.nz

Chorus today welcomes the Government's announcement on a series of high-level policy decisions on the future of regulation in the telecommunications sector.

These policy decisions include:

  • Moving to a utility-style model for regulating both fixed-line copper and fibre wholesale services;
  • The utility-style model could include anchor products for basic voice and basic broadbandwith reference to entry level prices in the market; and
  • Retaining the current unbundling requirements on the UFBnetwork from 2020.

'New Zealanders are known for being early adopters of new technology, and we're seeing that again with uptake of fibre broadbandservices. New Zealanders are leveraging better broadbandto enhance their social wellbeing and business success asan essential utility - much like electricity, water and gas' said Chorus CEO Mark Ratcliffe.

'Today's announcement by the Government effectively recognises broadbandasthe fourth utility.'

The Government has indicated that there will be further consultation on detailed design and implementation issues later this year.

'There is a range of detail, transitional and other policy choices to work through and we look forward to early engagement on this,' said Mark Ratcliffe.

ENDS

For further information:

Nathan Beaumont

Stakeholder Communications Manager

Mobile: 021 243 8412

Email: Nathan.beaumont@chorus.co.nz

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Chorus Limited issued this content on 14 April 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 13 April 2016 21:32:17 UTC

Original Document: https://www.chorus.co.nz/chorus-welcomes-next-steps-in-policy-review