Telecommunications Act 2001 Draft Discussion Paper

Media Release

Issued 21 December 2001/137

Commerce Commission releases draft discussion paper on its role within the Telecommunications Act 2001

The Commerce Commission today released for external comment a draft discussion paper on its role within the Telecommunications Act 2001.

The paper, which is available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz , is intended as a guide to the Commission's role under the new Act, which was passed in Parliament on Tuesday.

Commission Acting Chair Paula Rebstock said the paper explains in detail the Commission's role in making determinations on access to designated and specified services.

"The purpose of the paper is to inform the industry and other interested parties of the Commission's role under the Act, and to inform the industry and stakeholders of the general approach the Commission intends to take in exercising its powers under the Act," said Ms Rebstock.

"The Commission wants to increase certainty and transparency regarding its responsibilities, in order to reduce the costs on the industry of complying with the Act."

Before finalising this paper, the Commission is seeking the views of industry and interested parties. Submissions should be forwarded to the Commission by 1 February 2002.

A copy of the discussion paper is available from the Commission website, under the telecommunications link key, www.comcom.govt.nz . The document is titled "Commission Guide to Access Determinations - discussion document (December 2001)".

ENDS

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