CNU
08/09/2015 09:54
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0954 HRS Chorus Limited (NS)
GENERAL: CNU: Chorus welcomes Government discussion document
STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT
8 September 2015
Chorus welcomes Government discussion document
Chorus has today welcomed the release of the Government's discussion document
on the next stage of its telecommunications regulatory framework review.
"New Zealand is leading the world on its fibre roll out and fibre growth.
Today's proposals from the Government represent another step towards enabling
better broadband for New Zealanders" said Chorus General Counsel Vanessa
Oakley.
"The Government's discussion document is future-focused and recognises the
substantial changes that have occurred since the current regulatory framework
was put in place in 2001."
Structural separation of wholesale and retail, open access and
non-discrimination have essentially eliminated the problems that the 2001
legislation was trying to solve. However, the market structure today is
substantially different and our changing digital environment, which upgraded
communications infrastructure supports, requires new thinking to support
outcomes for New Zealand.
The Government's discussion document outlines a number of proposals for
change.
"We agree that there is a strong case for a utility-style building block
model of regulation."
"Faster broadband is fundamental to New Zealand's future. Chorus has made a
tremendous amount of progress in bringing better broadband to New Zealand. In
recent years, we have invested nearly $2 billion in fibre capability, with
more investment to come," Ms Oakley says.
"Given its open access, the on-going long-term investment and generational
transition to better broadband on networks benefits everyone. The Government
has recognised that very high quality communications infrastructure performs
a critical role for our economy and society.
"It is in nobody's interest to have regulatory processes potentially every
year which produce price shocks and uncertainty.
"Long term investment in infrastructure and services as well as an industry
and end-user transition requires stability and price certainty for everyone.
The review is an opportunity to set the industry up for success for the
future and enable it to focus on end users' changing needs.
"Chorus will be providing a comprehensive submission to further support the
development of the right policy environment that will drive the growth and
innovation that will be enabled by upgraded infrastructure, along with
encouraging innovative retail services for New Zealanders."
Submissions on the discussion document close on October 27, 2015. A copy of
the document can be found at the following link:
http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/technology-communica
tions/communications/regulating-the-telecommunications-sector/review-of-the-t
elecommunications-act-2001
ENDS
For further information:
Nathan Beaumont
Stakeholder Communications Manager
Mobile: 021 243 8412
Email: [email protected]
Brett Jackson
Investor Relations Manager
Mobile: 027 488 7808
Email: [email protected]
End CA:00269784 For:CNU Type:GENERAL Time:2015-09-08 09:54:44
