Media release

7 August 2013

Greater aspiration needed in regulatory review, says Vodafone

Vodafone said today the outcomes from the telecommunications regulatory review need to be more aspirational for New Zealanders to accelerate our digital future.

The company thinks it’s an opportunity missed if the scope of the review remains too narrow.

“We need to open up a broader conversation and look at all aspects of the fibre market to ensure a strong, competitive, consumer-focused market evolves.  Limiting the review to simple supply side fibre and copper costs misses the point,” says Vodafone Chief Executive Russell Stanners.

The UFB initiative was premised on improving New Zealand’s international competitiveness, yet Stanners says we risk falling behind the speeds and services available in other countries such as Singapore.

“New Zealanders deserve faster speeds and better products than are currently offered by Local Fibre Companies (LFCs).  Singapore’s Next Gen NBN offers speeds from 200Mbps at a price point that is really driving uptake.”

Stanners says that Kiwis will get excited by fibre when there is a more attractive entry level speed – much faster than the current product offered by the LFCs – at a reasonable price.

“Many New Zealanders are now enjoying faster speeds on their mobile devices than their fixed line broadband – thanks to 4G – which is setting the benchmark for many consumers in terms of their speed expectations. Yet fibre can and should deliver much much more.”

Vodafone strongly supports the Government’s UFB initiative and recognises its role in improving productivity, New Zealand’s global competitiveness and the everyday lives of New Zealanders.

ENDS

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