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 six 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 area

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.

  • 10 Dec 2020

    Completed

    Letter exchange between Chorus and the Commission

    See documents

  • 10 Dec 2020
  • 07 Aug 2020
  • 17 Jul 2020
  • 20 May 2020
  • 02 Apr 2020
  • 13 Mar 2020
  • 01 Aug 2019

    Completed

    Framework provided to the NZ Telecommunications Forum (TCF)

    See documents

  • 01 Aug 2019
  • 03 Apr 2019

    Completed

    Update on timeline for development of telecommunications codes

    See documents

  • 27 Mar 2019

    Completed

    Cross-submissions on the 'minimum requirements' of the code due

    See documents

  • 14 Feb 2019

    Completed

    Submissions on the 'minimum requirements' of the code due

    See documents

  • 26 Nov 2018
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