2 May 2001

The Government's telecommunications bill won't have the 'fair and equitable' outcomes for all New Zealanders that Communications Minister Paul Swain promises," National's Communications spokesperson Alec Neill said today.

"There is much concern that rural Internet and IT users are being overlooked, despite Mr Swain telling us that the communications reforms would ensure the rural sector better Internet access.

"The bill, which is the Government's response to last year's ministerial telecommunications inquiry, does nothing to ensure rural New Zealand has access to the best and most up-to-date telecommunication services.

"Mr Swain has so far only produced talk. His bill as it stands guarantees many rural areas continued isolation from an adequate Internet connection. That's appalling considering it's the rural sector that's driving our economy. It needs to maintain its competitive edge.

"The public has a great opportunity to challenge the Government's bill. Next week it will be referred to the Commerce Select Committee for public submissions and consideration," Alec Neill said.

Ends

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>