Handbrake Comes Off NZ Broadband

Media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03 May 2006

Handbrake Comes Off NZ Broadband

Ihug, New Zealand's second largest provider of ADSL broadband, says it's
thrilled the government has announced plans to introduce a
telecommunications package that will push the country 'out of the dark
ages'.

Chief executive Mark Rushworth says the announcement is more than the
company, which has led the call for local loop unbundling, could have
hoped for.

"This is good news for internet providers, great news for consumers and
fantastic news for the New Zealand economy. Finally Kiwis are going to
be able to benefit from true broadband."

Rushworth says the announced plan, which includes local loop unbundling,
unconstrained UBS, naked DSL and enhanced Commerce Commission
monitoring, will be huge for New Zealand.

"Exciting times are ahead, the handbrake has come off and ihug is ready
to provide New Zealanders with broadband that actually is faster and
cheaper."

Details of the minister's announcement are available at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=25636

ENDS

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