6. Implementation and Consultation
6.1 Implementation
90. Following consideration of submissions from interested parties, the Ministry will evaluate the proposed regime. The Ministry may hold discussions with particular parties to clarify specific issues. Following this the Ministry will make specific recommendations to the Government.
91. It is anticipated that in general any recommendations for change will be able to be implemented by an amendment to the existing regulations based on current regulation-making power. However, it is possible that specific recommendations may require a widening of this power and therefore amendment to the Telecommunications Act.
92. It is proposed that the new financial information disclosure requirements and KSO valuation requirements apply for the financial year 1999/2000. This would mean the first set of financial statements would be published by the end of March 2000 (Telecom's balance date is moving from 31 March to 30 June). It is particularly important that these requirements apply as early as possible to inform the renegotiation of those interconnection agreements which are due to expire in 2000.
93. It is proposed that new requirements for prescribed services and interconnection information will come into effect from the date of entry into force of the regulations.
6.2 Consultation
94. Comment is invited on any aspect of the proposed changes (which are summarised in Section 7) to the telecommunications information disclosure regulations. The Ministry is particularly interested in comment on the usefulness of the proposed additional financial disclosure requirements for facilitating competition in the telecommunication sector. In addition, particular feedback is sought on the following questions:
- Has the local loop been defined appropriately?
- Is the level of disclosure required for individual items appropriate, particularly for the local loop?
- Is the recommendation not to require mandatory use of ODV correct?
95. Industry participants and other interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed changes by 23 December 1998. Submissions should be made to:
Manager, Communications Policy
Resources and Networks Branch
Ministry of Commerce
PO Box 1473
Wellington
New Zealand
Fax 04-473 7010
96. Those making submissions are referred to the information about the Official Information Act and Privacy Act in Annex 1.
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