Media Statement
Issued 1 September 2006/033
Interference to Broadband Services on Telecom’s Copper Cable Network - Commission’s feedback
In June 2006, the Commission released a final determination under the Telecommunications Act, providing ihug and
CallPlus with regulated access to an unconstrained wholesale bitstream service to be supplied by Telecom.
In this determination, the Commission indicated that it intended to work with the industry to ensure that a robust and
appropriate spectrum management regime was implemented to ensure the efficient utilisation of Telecom’s copper cable
access network. Should such a regime be introduced in a form approved by the Commission, all bitstream access service
connections thereafter would be required to comply with that regime.
On 2 August, the Commission released a report by Paul Brooks, an independent consultant, on the management of
interference on copper cables when used to provide broadband services.[1]
Telecom has been in discussion with the Commission and the industry on spectrum management options for the introduction
of unconstrained services and has sought feedback. On 24 August 2006, the Commission provided feedback in the form of a
report prepared for the Commission by the same independent consultant. This report is available on the Commission’s
website.
Telecom has not yet submitted a copper cable spectrum management plan to the Commission for approval.
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[1] Press release available at: http://www.comcom.govt.nz
ENDS