Ihug Seek Operational Separation Of Telelcom Competition Laws
On Wednesday evening, ihug made its submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the subject of the
Telecommunications Amendment Bill.
The communications company said that it welcomed the new regulation, but pointed to two areas that required a stronger
hand:
• Separation of Telecom, and
• Competition Law
Ihug stated that it is vital that Telecom undergoes operational separation.
“Telecom claims that they will follow the British Telecom (BT) model pretty much to the letter,” says ihug CEO Mark
Rushworth.
“That’s simply not the case. What Telecom proposes is a watered-down version of the BT model.
“It doesn’t go nearly far enough in creating a fair and competitive telecommunications environment in New Zealand,”
Rushworth says.
Ihug also spoke in favour of introducing competition notices in New Zealand, in order to stamp on anti-competitive
behaviour.
“Australia has already introduced Competition Laws and they have proven incredibly successful,” Rushworth says.
ENDS