With the roll out of the fibre network, New Zealand is now less dependent on copper for its telecommunications needs. This means the way your landline and broadband services connect may change in the future.
The telecommunications industry is upgrading to more modern, reliable and efficient technology. To ensure consumers are protected during this transition, the Commission has developed codes that set out conditions that must be met as old copper technology is phased out and new, more modern fibre technology has been deployed.
The Copper Withdrawal 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 Commission 111 Contact Code ensures that vulnerable consumers, or persons on their behalf, have reasonable access to an appropriate means of contacting the 111 emergency service in the event of a power failure.
We engaged with industry and consumer stakeholders to produce two fact sheets which address the most common questions in relation to the Copper Withdrawal Code and the 111 Contact Code as well as wider copper withdrawal-related issues.
The fact sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and further information on the codes can be found below.
Copper transition fact sheet
A fact sheet on the changes to copper landline and broadband services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Developed by the NZ Telecommunications Forum and supported by the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service and the Commerce Commission.
A fact sheet on the 111 Contact Code for consumers has been developed by the Telecommunications Forum (TCF, supported by TDR and the Commerce Commission).
The purpose of the Commission 111 Contact Code is to ensure that vulnerable consumers, or persons on their behalf, have reasonable access to an appropriate means of contacting the 111 emergency service in the event of a power failure at their home.
Specified fibre areas (SFAs) are the locations where Chorus will eventually be able to stop providing copper-based phone and internet services, because fibre is available.
