24 May 2004
Govt Decision Gives Weight To Smartlinx3 Initiative
Communications Minister Paul Swain's decision not to support unbundling of the local loop vindicates the decision of
Upper Hutt, Hutt City and Porirua city councils and businesses to establish a company with the objective of providing an
open access network enabling more affordable access to true broadband services, said Smartlinx3 chairman Wayne Stemp.
"The decision will undoubtedly hamper true competition and competitive prices for broadband services for the foreseeable
future, especially in the three cities that Smartlinx3 will service," said Mr Stemp.
"Already Smartlinx3 is pursuing opportunities with parties who may have been disappointed with the Government's decision
and who will now be looking for alternative access to "last mile" infrastructure.
"Although it is early days yet, we believe that there are opportunities for Smartlinx3 as a future network provider to
work with these service providers to deliver a range of improved broadband services within the three cities." said Mr
Stemp.
"Rather than sit around and waiting for change we are determined to take control of our futures and ensure our cities'
businesses can compete effectively with businesses elsewhere in the region and country that benefit from greater
competition and investment in broadband services.
For example, businesses in the Hutt Valley and Porirua can be paying significantly more for similar type broadband
services than Wellington City-based businesses, due to the presence of Citylink in the Wellington CBD.
The city councils and a number of businesses are contributing to the establishment of Smartlinx3.
ENDS