Implementation Review of the Telecommunications Act 2001

The Government reformed the telecommunications regulatory environment with the passing of the Telecommunications Act 2001 to deliver a better deal for consumers.

The effective operation of the Act is important. The regime set up by the Act is the key mechanism that the Government is relying on to spur further competition in telecommunications that will deliver lower priced services to end-users over time.

Experience obtained in the Act's operation had identified a number of issues that justified a review focused on implementation issues. The main purpose of the review was therefore to consider the case for making improvements to the processes set up by the Act.

A particular focus of the review was on the monitoring and enforcement of the prompt development of regulated service supply agreements and their implementation.

A Discussion Paper on the review was released on 17 November 2004. Submissions were due to the Ministry by 4 February 2005, with cross submissions due by 4 March 2005. The Ministry received 21 submissions and 4 cross submissions. Public versions of these submissions are published on this website.

The outcome of the review was announced by the Minister of Communications on 9 August 2005. The proposed amendments will be incorporated in a draft Bill and introduced to Parliament later this year.

Documents

Cabinet Papers
Cabinet Papers on the Implementation Review of the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Regulatory Impact and Business Compliance Cost Statement
Governmental objective of creating a safe and secure environment in New Zealand for the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), including minimalisation of levels of spam entering this country in the future.
Media Statements
Media Statements on the Implementation Review of the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Discussion Paper
Discussion Paper on the Implementation Review of the Telecommunications Act 2001
Submissions
Submissions received on the Discussion Paper.
Cross Submissions
Cross Submissions received on the Discussion Paper