The Commerce Commission today released its report on telecommunications numbering in New Zealand currently administered under the Number Administration Deed (NAD).

The study, conducted under section 9A of the Telecommunications Act 2001, looks at the current international approach to numbering administration by examining the experiences and policies of mainly OECD countries that have conducted numbering reforms.

In the report the Commission has concluded that the New Zealand numbering regime does not meet international best practice. The conclusion follows consultation on the draft report on numbering management published in August 2008 which had set out the Commission's preliminary views on the administration of numbers in New Zealand.

Since its establishment in 1999 the NAD has undertaken a series of reviews to improve the overall governance structure and operation of the numbering regime in New Zealand. Changes include the introduction of a new voting structure to replace the previous requirement for consensus decisions, new membership criteria to require New Zealand residency and the formation of the NAD and Telecommunications Carriers Forum (TCF) working group to review the governance structure.

Nevertheless, there is general recognition among parties that the New Zealand numbering regime requires further change. Commerce Commission Chair Paula Rebstock said, "The Commission believes that the study has confirmed the importance of having an efficient numbering regime in place to address both the current and future needs of the market. This is consistent with the policy objective of ensuring efficient administration of New Zealand's numbering resources."

"The Commission supports the TCF proposal to establish a cross-sector working party comprising representatives of the TCF, NAD, Commerce Commission, Ministry of Economic Development and any other parties to review numbering administration and governance issues," Ms Rebstock said.

The study on numbering management in New Zealand is available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Numbering Management Study.

Background

Numbering refers to the use of telephone numbers for the supply of telecommunications services.

Number Administration Deed (NAD) is a deed entered into by public switched telecommunications service providers in New Zealand to establish a telecommunications industry-based mechanism for the centralised and independent administration of the party's telecommunications numbering resources.

The Telecommunications Carriers' Forum (TCF) prepares telecommunications access codes for approval by the Commerce Commission, in accordance with the Telecommunications Act 2001. The TCF also develops other telecommunications codes and facilitates dialogue on industry issues of common interest.

Section 9A of the Telecommunications Act 2001. The telecommunications numbering study was conducted under section 9A which empowers the Commission to conduct, among other things, studies (including international benchmarking) into any matter relating to the telecommunications industry or the long-term benefit of end-users of telecommunications services within New Zealand. The Commission issued the terms of reference for the numbering management study on 6 June 2008.

NAD Authorisation. The Commission authorised the entry into and giving effect to the NAD dated 15 December 1998 under sections 58 and 61(7) of the Commerce Act 1986.