19 May 2004
Unbundling decision good for communications investment
Business NZ welcomed Paul Swain's decision today to accept the Commerce Commission's recommendation on local loop
unbundling.
Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw said the decision removed significant commercial uncertainty and will enable
all market participants to go forward in what remains a highly competitive market.
"Importantly, the Minister's decision should ensure critical investment in communications infrastructure for the
future," Mr Carlaw said.
"A number of claims and counter claims have been made about local loop unbundling, some of which seemed to miss the
point that the objective is an accelerated national rollout of broadband Internet access using all possible technology
and keeping the access current and world-class.
"The decision to maintain a watching brief on Telecom's achievements in this area is therefore prudent and appropriate."
ENDS