A Lost Opportunity For New Zealand

It is hard to see how the steps announced today will deliver on the Government’s aims of high speed broadband throughout New Zealand, Telecom said today.

“As we have told the Government in our submissions high speed broadband services and the advanced products that will run on them require major investment from all players in the sector,” said Telecom’s General Manager Government & Industry Relations Bruce Parkes.

“Today’s package actually tells players to put away any major investment plans and rely on regulation instead.

“Broadband has been growing sharply in New Zealand, fuelled by major initiatives by Telecom and other players.

“The next step in New Zealand’s broadband path is higher speed broadband and services such as Voice over IP and digital video services.

“Telecom has shared with the Government its view that getting those services to people throughout New Zealand means investment of hundreds of millions of dollars, not just by Telecom but by other players.

“That need for investment is particularly important for rural New Zealand.

“But the Government has turned away from that path which would have benefited all New Zealanders,” Mr Parkes said.

ENDS

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