Government sets out its preferred post-2020 telecoms regime
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has released a consultation paper setting out details of how the government proposes to regulate access to the copper telephone network beyond 2020.
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has released a consultation paper setting out details of how the government proposes to regulate access to the copper telephone network beyond 2020.
Kate McKenzie starts role in February 2017
Chorus has struck a deal with Crown Fibre Holdings under which Chorus will continue to provide free residential installations until 31 December 2019 for those premises connecting to the UFB network.
Visionstream is to take over the installation of Chorus optical fibre network in areas where it is currently being rolled out by Downer, following Downer’s decision not to retender for this work.
Chorus' results for FY16 hewed very close to those it reported in FY15, saying its result in the most recent financial year was impacted by lower pricing for key services set by the Commerce Commission.
Chorus says it is struggling to recruit technicians and support staff needed to meet the demands it faces across its copper and fibre business, despite having added almost 2000 people to its workforce since 2011. It wants to add another 250 technicians and support staff by the end of the year.
Chorus has released figures for household data consumption saying it has doubled in 18 months to 100 gigabytes per household and is on track to reach 170 gigabytes by mid-2017.
As part of its review of the Telecommunications Act 2001, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released an options paper seeking feedback on its proposed ‘utility-style’ framework for regulating fixed line communications services provided on the ultra-fast broadband network and Chorus’ copper network after 2020.
Recent severe weather has caused a significant increase in faults on Chorus landlines, prompting both Chorus and Spark to issue statements apologising to customers for the inconvenience.
“UFB has the potential to transform New Zealand’s economy."
Chorus has completed its work under the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI).
“The Government, on behalf of all New Zealanders, has made a huge bet on fibre through UFB, with the full economic benefits set to tally into the tens of billions."
“Digital technologies are transforming the way New Zealanders live, work and do business."
“It’s a de-skilling of the network, it undermines health and safety, and allows for migrant workers to be exploited, undercutting well-paid New Zealand jobs."
“We have such a high demand for fibre in the Wellington region..."