InternetNZ releases Briefing to Incoming Ministers
Media Release – 16 December 2008 – InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has today released its briefing paper for incoming Ministers, outlining the major ICT issues InternetNZ sees facing the country over the next year.
The briefing paper introduces the role and work of InternetNZ and contains a series of high-level recommendations relating to broadband infrastructure, digital copyright and convergence. Global Internet leadership and technical standards such as IPv6 and ENUM also feature.
In respect of broadband, InternetNZ strongly supports National’s vision of a broadband-enabled New Zealand. The briefing paper recommends that the option of working with electricity utilities to roll-out Fibre-to-the-Premises is explored and that the Broadband Investment Fund (BIF) is continued and reworked to align with National policy with a focus on rural access building on successful existing examples such as Network Tasman, CityLink and InspireNet.
Reform of digital copyright features heavily in the briefing, with InternetNZ recommending a First Principles Review of the Copyright Act and that Section 92A of the Act be postponed while a workable replacement involving industry and public input is sought.
Internet, broadcasting and telecommunications networks are rapidly converging and InternetNZ recommends that Government unite policy advice in these areas and consolidate regulatory responsibilities.
InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson says fibre roll-out, digital copyright and convergence will be key areas of work for InternetNZ for 2009.
“We look forward to working with the new Government to progress these issues and offer the briefing paper as a starting point for discussion.”
InternetNZ’s Briefing to Incoming Ministers is available on the InternetNZ website at:
www.internetnz.net.nz/issues/submissions/2008
For more information:
Keith Davidson
Executive Director
InternetNZ
021 377 587
exe.dir@internetnz.net.nz
