The Commerce Commission will investigate the interconnection element of CallPlus Limited's application for an access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001. CallPlus applied to the Commission in December 2002 for a determination relating to interconnection services and wholesale (resale) services from Telecom New Zealand Limited.

The Commission has decided to separate CallPlus' application into interconnection and wholesale, and has deferred a decision to investigate wholesale services.

The Commission has invited submissions from the parties about terms and conditions for interconnection with Telecom's fixed PSTN, which is a designated access service under the Act.

CallPlus provides telecommunications services to predominantly residential customers and small and medium enterprises in New Zealand.

Background

Section 25 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 states:

Commission must decide whether to investigate

(1) The Commission must make reasonable efforts to do the following things not later than 10 working days after the date by which the parties may comment on the application:

a) decide whether or not to investigate the matter;

b) give written notice of its decision to the parties;

c) give public notice of its decision;

d) request the parties to the determination to make submissions on the matter by written notice to the Commission not later than 10 working days after receipt of the notice from the Commission.

(2) Subsection (1)(d) applies only if the Commission has decided under subsection (1)(a) to investigate the matter.

Media contact: Osmond Borthwick, Manager, Network Access Group

Phone work (04) 924 3667