Econet Wireless Welcomes Government Initiatives

23rd November 2001
MEDIA RELEASE

Econet Wireless Welcomes Government Initiatives

Econet Wireless New Zealand (EWNZ) say that the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) released by Communications Minister Paul Swain today, sends out a clear message that New Zealand is a country in which competition and growth are encouraged.

The SOP includes the government’s proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Bill considered by the Commerce Select Committee and includes specification of mobile roaming and co-location.

EWNZ Director, Tex Edwards says that the proposed amendments will realign New Zealand with other OECD countries which have roaming provisions.

“The government’s decision shows that New Zealand has at last recognised what has been standard practice around the world for a long time,” he says. “And, the fact that our competitors, Vodafone and Telecom, lobbied so strongly against the amendments indicates they recognise us as competition and serves to endorse our business case.”

“The government’s announcement is great news for inward investment into New Zealand,” says Mr Edwards. “Those who will particularly benefit are consumers and small businesses. We’re very pleased with this development and feel it is a positive step that will go some way towards correcting the wrongs of the 1990’s telecommunications environment in New Zealand.”

The government has also stated that the Telecommunications Commissioner will be announced by Christmas. Says Tex Edwards “The establishment of a Commissioner means that there will be an expert on hand to oversee any issues that may arise over the coming months.”

EWNZ will be announcing plans for its network to consumers in the New Year.

ENDS

Released on behalf of EWNZ by Network Communications, Tel. (09) 379 3154

For more information please contact Chris Lydon (025 822 296)

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