The Commerce Commission today released its final notification of the companies potentially liable for the $50 million Telecomunications Development Levy (TDL) for the 2011/12 year. The levy will fund telecommunications service obligation (TSO) charges, rural networks and upgrades to the emergency calling services.

Under the Telecommunications (TSO, Broadband, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2011, the levy is to be paid by public network operators (fixed or wireless) earning more than $10 million per year. The notification identifies 29 companies that are likely to contribute.

"As the legislation states, only fixed or wireless public network operators qualify for the levy. The list of 29 companies therefore includes the new local fibre companies and Chorus, but excludes Sky and other content providers as they are not telecommunications network operators," said Dr John Hamill, Regulation General Manager.

The next step is for the Commission to consult on what revenue will count toward sharing out the $50 million levy obligation.

You can find a copy of the final Notification of Potential Liability for the Telecommunications Development Levy 2012 on the Commission's website here: www.comcom.govt.nz/telecommunications-development-levy

Background

The Commission published a discussion document on the new TDL liability allocation process on 2 February 2012 and a draft notification on 19 April 2012. The 2010/11 TDL Liability Allocation Determination was published on 30 November 2011. You can view copies of all documents here: www.comcom.govt.nz/telecommunications-development-levy

The Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) was introduced by the Telecommunications (TSO, Broadband, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2011.