Telecommunications and Broadband
The telecommunications industry is the lifeblood of the new economy.
In response to last year's Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications, legislation was introduced into Parliament. The Telecommunications Bill is designed to create a more efficient and competitive telecommunications market in New Zealand for the benefit of both business and domestic consumers.
In addition, the availability of high-speed two-way (broadband) Internet connectivity has been widely identified as fundamental to the uptake of e-commerce and to building the knowledge economy. In recognition of this the Government has set itself the goal of ensuring that all New Zealand communities can access two-way high-speed Internet services by the end of 2003.
The Government has identified a number of levers available to it that will assist in achieving this goal. In the first instance up to six regional pilot schemes are being funded. The pilots will test the potential for bringing together demand for broadband services in a particular region in a way that is commercially attractive for suppliers to invest in improved infrastructure.
In applying the principle of partnership the pilots will support initiatives driven by the communities themselves and by the suppliers. Information from the pilots will be made available for other communities to use.
Back to Top