Vodafone welcomes Commerce Commission submission

Vodafone welcomes Commerce Commission recommendation

Vodafone welcomes the Commerce Commission’s recommendation to accept the industry’s commitment to reduce Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs).

The Commission has recommended the Minister of Communications accept the undertakings offered by Telecom and Vodafone in lieu of direct regulation. If the Minister accepts the recommendation the new termination rates will take effect from 1 October, 2010.

Vodafone New Zealand GM of Corporate Affairs Tom Chignell says the outcome is a pragmatic one given the uncertainty around a long regulatory process and whether the savings will end up in consumers’ pockets.

“We have always preferred commercial outcomes to regulation. New Zealand’s rates are broadly in line with Europe’s rates already and through this, and the previous investigation, the Commission has managed to elicit massive voluntary reductions in termination rates for voice and SMS.”

The Minister will now decide whether or not to accept the Commission’s recommendations and Vodafone urges him to make that decision so we can get on with the business at hand – making sure Vodafone customers have access to the best services on the country’s reliable 3G network.

ENDS

© Scoop Media