Media Release
01 May 2006

Recommendation To Reduce Mobile Call Costs Welcomed

New Zealand First Communications spokesperson Brian Donnelly has welcomed the recommendation of the Commerce Commission aimed at reducing the cost of calls from fixed home and business lines to mobile networks.

The Commerce Commission's report on regulation of mobile termination rates was released today and the Minister has invited submissions on its recommendation.

"New Zealand First has long advocated for fairer and more reasonable mobile charges in the long term and we support the opportunity for interested parties to give their views," said Mr Donnelly.

"Our current investment in telecommunications shows that we are lagging behind other OECD countries and paying a great deal more than other countries for telecommunications services. New Zealand is in fact one of the most expensive countries in the OECD for users of mobile phones, and the comparison becomes even less favourable as usage levels increase.

"It is clear that the Government needs to be doing everything it can to ensure that our businesses and other consumers are paying reasonable set rates for telephone, broadband and mobile services.

"We urge the Communications Minister to act swiftly in the interests of New Zealand businesses and consumers to arrive at a solution that is fair to all," Mr Donnelly said.

ENDS

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