293: 4 November 2015

Chorus has today said that it supports the Government’s proposal to move to a utility-style regulatory framework for broadband infrastructure.

What's happening?

The following media release is being sent today. 

What's the detail?

Chorus has today said that it supports the Government’s proposal to move to a utility-style regulatory framework for broadband infrastructure.

The company has provided its views as part of the submission process on the review of the Telecommunications Act that is currently underway.

“The discussions through the Telecommunications Forum (TCF) indicate broad agreement amongst the industry on some of the key areas for discussion,” said Vanessa Oakley, Chorus General Counsel.

“For example, the TCF supports a utility-style model for fibre and more scope for commercial solutions where possible.

“Building on that alignment we have also provided some suggestions for the Government to consider ways to transition to utility-style regulation, taking into account the policy objectives outlined in the discussion document, including the aspirations for further investment and the need for competition and innovation at the retail level.

“One mechanism that could work is for Undertakings - a legally binding commitment made to another entity, such as the Crown - to be made. This was the way the operational separation of Telecom was put in place, and Undertakings have also been used in the telecommunications sector in Australia.

“The use of Undertakings could complement the more detailed modelling work that may need to occur to provide long term sustainability for the whole industry, but also allow all of us to get on with delivering the Government’s policy objectives quickly while the detailed work is completed,” she said.

Chorus’ submission and supporting information is available at https://www.chorus.co.nz/submissions

Who should I contact?

For further information:

Nathan Beaumont
Stakeholder Communications Manager
Phone: +64 4 896 4352
Mobile: +64 (21) 243 8412
Email: Nathan.Beaumont@chorus.co.nz

Brett Jackson
Investor Relations Manager
Phone: +64 4 896 4039
Mobile: +64 (27) 488 7808
Email: Brett.Jackson@chorus.co.nz