Media Release
Issued 13 May 2003-04/118
Telecommunications Act: Update on Investigation into Regulating Mobile Termination Rates
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 submissions 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 to late September 2004
Delivery of final report to Minister
mid November 2004