NZ restarts backhaul services study

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has announced that it is recommencing its study into domestic telecommunication backhaul services.

“We see backhaul as critical to ensuring New Zealanders can benefit from effective access to comprehensive broadband services, especially with the rollout of ultrafast fibre broadband,” said Telecommunications Commissioner Stephen Gale.

In August 2016 the commission started the study under section 9A of the Telecommunications Act.

The aim of the study is to better understand how demand for different backhaul services may develop, and consider whether any regulatory changes would better promote the long-term interests of consumers.

The study was put on hold in February 2017 while the government undertook a review of the Telecommunications Act.

With the Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Bill now before a parliamentary select committee, the commission has said it believes it is an appropriate time to restart the study.

“The submissions we have already received have helped us to better understand the market. We intend to gather further information on a range of matters raised in submissions. This information will help us decide where to focus the remainder of the study,” said Gale.

An updated time frame for the study will be published once the commission has gathered further information from a number of parties.

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