The Commerce Commission today commenced a review of the cost of data transmission in the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) standard terms determination.

"The Commission indicated when it released the UBA Determination in December 2007 that it may review the cost of data transmission every year, or as required, and update the figure used in the price calculation if necessary.   It is now appropriate to undertake such a review," said Telecommunications Commissioner Dr Ross Patterson.

To inform the review the Commission has today commenced seeking information from access seekers and access providers to assist in the calculation of national and international data costs. The letter sent to access seekers and access providers will be available on the Commission's website.

 

Background

Unbundled bitstream access. The unbundled bitstream access refers to the wholesale broadband service provided by Telecom from the end-user to the first data switch, or equivalent facility, other than a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). It allows telecommunications companies to supply a range of broadband services to retail customers.    

Section 30R Review process under the Telecommunications Act 2001 (Act)

Section 30R provides that the Commission may, on its own initiative, commence a review, at any time, of all or any of the terms specified in a standard terms determination. Guidelines to the process for reviewing standard terms determinations can be found on the Commission's website.