Telecommunications Inquiry Issues Paper Released - 6 April 2000
[ Last Updated 17 February 2006 ]
from Hugh Fletcher, Chairman, Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications
Telecommunications Inquiry Issues Paper Released
The Ministerial Inquiry into Telecommunications today released its Issues paper. Written submissions on the paper are now invited.
In releasing the paper, Hugh Fletcher, Inquiry Chairman said "the Inquiry is seeking maximum input from the telecommunications industry and telecommunications users, including the general public. To enable the greatest possible engagement, we have extended the deadline for submissions to 12 May".
The Issues paper elaborates on the terms of reference for the Inquiry, and attempts to highlight all important issues. If there are issues the paper does not canvass, submitters are encouraged to draw these to the Inquiry’s attention.
Mr Fletcher stated "the Inquiry is required to provide detailed recommendations to the Government on a range of issues. It is therefore important that, in addition to outlining any problems, submitters also consider solutions, including their costs and benefits, and whether structural, regulatory or industry self-regulation solutions are most appropriate."
The Government wishes to ensure delivery of cost-efficient, timely and innovative telecommunications services on an ongoing, fair and equitable basis to all existing and potential users. Among a range of important issues for the Inquiry are:
- ensuring that New Zealand has a telecommunications policy that meets the demands of an information economy;
- whether there is a need for regulation to guide the agreements between network operators that make it possible for users on different networks to be connected ("interconnection"); and
- looking at whether the Kiwi Share is still the best tool to safeguard the telecommunications needs of residential users, rural and urban alike.
The Inquiry panel will release a draft report of its findings and recommendations by 30 June for further public comment. Submissions on the Issues paper will be a key input to the draft report.
In addition to Mr Hugh Fletcher, other members of the Inquiry panel are Ms Cathie Harrison and Mr Allan Asher.
The Inquiry is due to report to the Minister of Communications at the end of September.
Hugh Fletcher
Inquiry Chairman END
The Issues paper can be downloaded from the Inquiry’s Website. Hard copies can be requested from the Inquiry office (04 460 1375). A list of key points from the Issues paper is attached.
For further queries, contact:
John Gilbert
Inquiry Manager
PO Box 1473 Wellington
| Tel: | 64 4 460 1375 |
| Fax | 64 4 460 1374 |
| Email: | teleinquiry@med.govt.nz |
| Website: | www.teleinquiry.govt.nz |
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