Telecomms Commissioner not to seek reappointment

Media Release

Issued 11 July 2006/005

Telecommunications Commissioner not to seek reappointment

Telecommunications Commissioner Douglas Webb has advised the Minster of Communications that he will not seek reappointment to the role when his current term expires in March 2007.

Douglas Webb was appointed as Telecommunications Commissioner in March 2002 for a five-year term.

As New Zealand’s first Telecommunications Commissioner he filled the role during a period of immense change and intense activity.

“Douglas Webb implemented an entirely new regulatory regime,” said Commerce Commission Chair Paula Rebstock.

“He is a Commissioner of high calibre who has made an outstanding contribution to competition in the New Zealand telecommunications market,” said Ms Rebstock.

“As a result of Douglas Webb’s work New Zealanders enjoy access to a wider range of telecommunications services at lower prices,” said Ms Rebstock.

Major achievements of Douglas Webb’s term as Telecommunications Commissioner include the resolution of the long standing industry dispute on interconnection rates, the development of a more competitive wholesale services market, the creation of a transparent universal service regime through the Telecommunications Service Obligations, and the stimulus of the broadband market through the unbundled bitstream service.

Mr Webb’s term as Telecommunications Commissioner runs until 11 March 2007.

Until that time he will be working on a large agenda to ensure the Commission is ready to implement the new regulatory regime laid out in proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act.

ENDS

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