A Simple Decision For Mr Swain To Make

Friday, 13 February 2004, 1:48 pm
Press Release: Business New Zealand

Media release
13 February 2004

A simple decision for Mr Swain to make

The Minister of Communications should accept the Commerce Commission's final recommendation on telecommunications unbundling, says Business NZ.

"Business NZ does not totally agree with the recommendations because they mean interference with property rights," Chief Executive Simon Carlaw said.

"But the recommendations have merit for two reasons. First, the interference would be restricted to Telecom's digital subscriber line only - not such a full-blown intervention as in other countries - and the recommendations would also allow for industry negotiations.

"Second, approving the Commission's recommendations now would let the industry get on with it. The whole business of consultation and submissions* has taken nearly a year, during which time there has been significant uncertainty over future regulatory intervention. Mr Swain should approve the Commission's recommendations quickly so all industry players can get on with the job of providing innovative, world-class telecommunications services."

http://www.businessnz.org.nz/file/orig/030514%20Local%20
Loop%20Unbundling%20Submission.pdf http://www.businessnz.org.nz/file/605/031029LLUDraftReportSubmission.pdf

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