Completed
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- Copper withdrawal code
Copper Withdrawal Code
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.
By 2022, most New Zealanders are expected to have access to fibre at home, which means large parts of the traditional copper phone and broadband network will no longer be needed. The Commission has designed the Copper Withdrawal Code to protect consumers during the transition from copper to faster and more reliable technologies such as fibre.
Chorus are required to give consumers at least 6 months’ notice of any change, as well as information consumers need to understand the transition and, if the consumer orders a fibre service, Chorus must have it installed at their home before copper services can be stopped.
Chorus can only stop supplying copper services where households can access the same services over the fibre network. In areas where fibre is not currently available Chorus must continue to supply copper services.
Consumers can complain to the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution Service (TDRS) if Chorus is not complying with the code. The TDRS provides independent resolution of consumer disputes with telecommunications providers.
The Code comes into effect on 1 March 2021, however Chorus will not be able to stop supplying copper services until 1 September 2021 at the earliest.
See whether fibre is available in your areaThis 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.
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10 Dec 2020
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10 Dec 2020
Completed
Final code published
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07 Aug 2020
Completed
Cross-submissions on draft code due
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17 Jul 2020
Completed
Submissions on draft code due
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20 May 2020
Completed
Draft code and reasons paper published
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02 Apr 2020
Completed
Industry update
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13 Mar 2020
Completed
Copper withdrawal code update
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01 Aug 2019
Completed
Framework provided to the NZ Telecommunications Forum (TCF)
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01 Aug 2019
Completed
Copper withdrawal code process update
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03 Apr 2019
Completed
Update on timeline for development of telecommunications codes
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27 Mar 2019
Completed
Cross-submissions on the 'minimum requirements' of the code due
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14 Feb 2019
Completed
Submissions on the 'minimum requirements' of the code due
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26 Nov 2018
Completed
Request for views on scope of code