InternetNZ welcomes passage of Bill

InternetNZ welcomes passage of Telecommunications Amendment Bill

Wednesday 13 December 2006

InternetNZ today welcomes the 119-2 vote in Parliament today to pass the Telecommunications Amendment Bill, and congratulates all parties who voted for the measure for their support of a better regulatory framework for telecommunications in New Zealand.

“The Bill marks a major improvement. The changes made by the Select Committee to include operational separation requirements in the legislation in particular are very welcome,” says InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson.

“By putting this framework in place, the Government has sent a clear signal that it is determined to see investment and competition in telecommunications. That is going to mean better services and better prices for Kiwi internet users.

“The next challenge is to see the operational separation plan developed. Minister David Cunliffe has a significant responsibility to get this right. His record to date shows he understands the issues and will do so.

“Considerable resources will be required to make the negotiation of the undertakings effective. InternetNZ urges the Government to ensure that the Ministry of Economic Development has all the resources it needs to do the job as well as possible.

“InternetNZ looks forward to seeing the draft plan early in the new year, and offering comments then,” concludes Keith Davidson.

ENDS

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