Unbundling Legislation Sets Scene for a Big Year

Wednesday December 13, 2006

Unbundling Legislation Sets Scene for a Big Year

Today's passing of the Telecommunications Amendment Act is a turning point for New Zealand consumers - a real choice is not too far away.

TelstraClear Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth says the broad political support for the Act is encouraging, but it is also a signal to the industry that New Zealanders are not prepared to wait for better services.

"For more than a decade TelstraClear has led the fight for choice. That long, frustrating, and expensive battle is behind us and our focus now is on how quickly we can deliver to customers," says Dr Freeth.

"Yes, operation separation will be complex, and while we will play our part in making things happen we will need access to local loops as soon as possible so we can invest and deliver truly different services."

Dr Freeth says TelstraClear's shareholder Telstra is "fully engaged" in plans to address a long-held myth about telecommunications in New Zealand.

"For a long time, New Zealanders have been told that they can't have the kinds of services enjoyed in countries overseas. Distance, scale, and population size have been held up as excuses for poor services and high prices," he says.

"Next year, through investments in networks such as Tauranga Unplugged, TelstraClear will show customers what's possible in an open, competitive market."

ENDS

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