Local Government welcomes the Government's new telecommunications regulations to support the rollout of Broadband and new technologies

Local Government New Zealand supports the Government's announcement today of amendments to the National Environmental Standard (NES) for Telecommunications Facilities. The changes will speed up the roll out for Ultra-Fast Broadband, Rural Broadband Initiative and 4G technologies by reducing the number of consents required. We expect costs will fall as a result.

LGNZ particularly welcomes the Government's proactive approach to partnering with local government and the Telecommunications Carriers Forum (TCF) to “road test” the telecommunications regulations before they are finalised. This will ensure the regulations are clear, easy to apply and not ambiguous for local government and for the telecommunications industry.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says the Government's approach is to be commended, in particular the involvement of Communications Minister Amy Adams and Environment Minister Nick Smith, in taking a measured and sensible approach to making sure the new regulations are fit-for-purpose.

"Access to telecommunications infrastructure is important for all New Zealanders. The Government's foresight to partner with local government and telecommunications companies to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations is sensible," says Mr Yule.

"This new collaborative approach has the potential to result in a better outcome for communities."

"We consider this approach will become the new 'gold standard' for testing of new regulations to ensure they are fit for purpose," says Mr Yule.

ENDS

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