Issued 13 May 2004

The Commerce Commission's investigation into whether or not mobile phone call termination rates should be regulated has now formally commenced, with the Commission's decision to investigate under Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 published in today's New Zealand Gazette.

Under the Telecommunications Act the Commission is required to make reasonable efforts to complete its investigation within 120 working days.

The Commission will request initial submissions from interested parties when it releases an issues paper next month. As with its previous investigations, the Commission will then issue a draft report to indicate its initial thinking, and will hold a conference before releasing its final report. The final report is expected to be released around mid November 2004.

Osmond Borthwick, Manager of the Network Access Team said the release of the issues paper would be useful to the industry given the complexity of the issues and the need to gather further information.

"The Commission will invite submissions on the paper, which will be considered in the preparation of its draft report."

 

Timetable for the Commission's investigation

Please note this timetable is indicative only and subject to change.

Steps and Procedures Indicative Timing
Publication of the Issues Paper early June 2004
Written Submission on Issues Paper to be provided early July 2004
Publication of Draft Report early August 2004
Written Submissions on Draft Report to be provided early September 2004
Conference on Draft Report and Written Submissions mid-late September 2004
Delivery of Final Report to Minister mid November 2004

 

Media contact:

Osmond Borthwick, Manager, Network Access Group

Phone work (04) 924 3667

 

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

Phone work (04) 924 3708, mobile 029 924 3708