The Copper Withdrawal Code (the Code) sets out the minimum requirements Chorus, the provider of New Zealand’s copper telecommunications network, must meet before it can stop providing wholesale copper phone and broadband services.

The Code came into effect on 1 March 2021 setting out minimum requirements that Chorus must meet before it stops supplying copper services.

The Telecommunications Act 2001 (the Act) allows the Commission to amend the Code if it considers that the Code no longer meets all the requirements set out in the Act, and the amended Code will meet all the requirements set out in the Act.

As part of our review, we undertook consultation with stakeholders including industry and consumer groups. Our analysis and consultation resulted in amendments to the Code to better deliver on the purpose. These amendments are intended to:

  • improve and simplify the process of notifying end-users
  • allow flexibility in communication channels
  • provide additional pause mechanisms to help resolve any process issues
  • further clarify the intention behind existing provisions.

We published the updated Code in February 2024, which comes into effect on 5 April 2024.

For enquiries, please contact telecommunications@comcom.govt.nz.

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.

  • 05 Feb 2024

    Completed

    Copper Withdrawal Code 2024 and Reasons paper published

    See documents

  • 09 Nov 2023
  • 27 Sep 2023

    Completed

    Draft amended Code and reasons paper published

    See documents

  • 04 May 2023

    Completed

    Submissions on Copper Withdrawal Code Review – Request for Views due

    See documents

  • 23 Mar 2023

    Completed

    Copper Withdrawal Code Review – Request for Views published

    See documents

Show all