Clear And Telecom Reach Agreement On 0867 Internet

Clear And Telecom Reach Agreement On 0867 Internet Number Range

Internet users will not pay a two-cents per minute charge for non-0867 Internet calls, under a comprehensive three and a half-month agreement between Telecom and CLEAR.

The two companies say the agreement provides a breathing space in which they can renegotiate their interconnection agreement, which expires at the end of 2000.

Telecom has agreed to suspend the two-cent charge and CLEAR has agreed to encourage its customers who are dial-up Internet users to begin using 0867 numbers. The agreement is effective immediately.

Other aspects of the agreement are:

- CLEAR and Telecom will sign an agreement whereby CLEAR will provide Internet access services under an 0867 agreement, initially until the end of August.

- CLEAR will withdraw its application for an interim injunction requiring Telecom to honour the terms of the number portability agreement between the two companies.

- Telecom will not appeal against the interim injunction granted to i4free last month.

- The agreement is for three and half months, during which time the two companies will aim to negotiate a new interconnection agreement.

CLEAR and Telecom say the agreement is a pragmatic solution to the long-running 0867 Internet issue. The agreement recognises the needs of both companies in New Zealand’s rapidly changing telecommunications sector.

Both companies recognise the need to set aside differences in order to benefit Internet users and to create space for developing a better interconnection agreement for the future.

ENDS

© Scoop Media