InternetNZ welcomes passage of Telecommunications Amendment Bill
Media Release - December 13, 2006 - InternetNZ today welcomes the 119-2 vote in Parliament today to pass the Telecommunications Amendment Bill, and congratulates all parties who voted for the measure for their support of a better regulatory framework for telecommunications in New Zealand.
“The Bill marks a major improvement. The
changes made by the Select Committee to include operational separation
requirements in the legislation in particular are very welcome,” says
InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson.
“By putting this framework in place, the
Government has sent a clear signal that it is determined to see investment and
competition in telecommunications. That is going to mean better services and
better prices for Kiwi internet users.
“The next challenge is to see the
operational separation plan developed. Minister David Cunliffe has a
significant responsibility to get this right. His record to date shows he
understands the issues and will do so.
“Considerable resources will be required to
make the negotiation of the undertakings effective. InternetNZ urges the Government
to ensure that the Ministry of Economic Development has all the resources it
needs to do the job as well as possible.
“InternetNZ looks forward to seeing the
draft plan early in the new year, and offering comments then,” concludes Keith
Davidson.
ENDS
Contact:
Keith DavidsonExecutive Director021 377 587, keith@internetnz.net.nz