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.

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