The Code came into effect in February 2021 and providers had until August 2021 to make extra support available to vulnerable consumers.

Who does the Code protect?

The Code supports consumers who can no longer call 111 in a power cut because they have moved to new home phone technologies like fibre and fixed wireless. These technologies need a power supply in the home to work, meaning they will not work in a power cut without an independent power source.

Under the Code, telecommunications service providers offering home phone services must tell new customers, and remind existing customers at least once a year, that their home phone may not work in a power cut.

Providers must also tell their customers how they can protect themselves and where to go for further support.

Support under the Code

Home phone customers who don’t have an alternative way to contact 111 in a power cut can apply to their provider if they are at particular risk of needing to call emergency services for health, security or disability reasons. If they qualify, their provider will work with them to determine the right product for their particular needs, at no cost to the consumer.

Customer disputes under the Code

Customer complaints relating to the 111 Contact Code should go to your telecommunications provider.  If a resolution can't be reached within five working days, then you can take your dispute to Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) – tdr.org.nz

TDR is a free and independent service helping to resolve disputes between customers and their telecommunications provider.

We also note that the Commission is not a disputes resolution service.

Resources

Provider’s compliance with the 111 Contact Code

The Commerce Commission monitors service providers’ compliance with the 111 Contact Code. It is the responsibility of each provider of a retail landline service to ensure that it complies with the Commission 111 Contact Code, and to seek advice including legal advice as appropriate.

For compliance activities and general information on the Code (including the current Code) see Commission 111 Contact Code.

If retail service providers have any questions relating to their obligations under the 111 Contact Code please contact market.regulation@comcom.govt.nz. Please note that any responses should not be used as a substitute for, or relied on as, legal advice on any matter. While we may provide a response that is indicative of our view of the obligations in the Code, only the courts can decide whether obligations in the Code have been breached.

We commenced a review of the Code in 2023. For details on this project see Review of the Commission 111 Contact Code.

This view shows the latest stage in the project. Click on the circled dates to see details. Navigate to other months, or scroll down, to see all stages.

Note: these dates are indicative only and are subject to change.

  • 30 Jul 2021

    Completed

    Letter exchange between TCF and the Commission regarding battery back-up

    See documents

  • 11 Dec 2020

    Completed

    Letter exchange between TCF and the Commission

    See documents

  • 17 Nov 2020
  • 07 Aug 2020
  • 17 Jul 2020
  • 02 Apr 2020
  • 11 Mar 2020
  • 17 Feb 2020
  • 05 Dec 2019
  • 14 Oct 2019

    Completed

    Submissions on Emerging views paper due

    See documents

  • 12 Sep 2019
  • 03 Apr 2019

    Completed

    Update on timeline for development of telecommunications codes

    See documents

Show all