Legal action the wrong focus for Chorus
InternetNZ is disappointed that Chorus is seeking leave to appeal the recent High Court decision on the Commerce
Commission’s decisions regarding initial pricing for copper broadband services. The Court ruled strongly against Chorus:
it’s time to move on.
InternetNZ Chief Executive Jordan Carter says that the Court was unequivocal in its judgement, and was particularly
strong in setting out the way section 18 of the Act operates – the part Chorus argues was misinterpreted.
“Justice Kos made it very clear that the Commission knew what it was doing, and was doing it well. For Chorus to come
out now and say that not only the Commerce Commission got it wrong, but so too did the High Court is just over the top.”
Mr Carter says that Chorus should turn its attention to the FPP process so the industry can get some certainty around
copper pricing.
“Companies have the right to legal action, of course; that is what the Courts are for. But the High Court has made a
ruling, it is clear and it gives certainty. It’s time to move on.
“Any regulatory focus other than the FPP is just a sideshow,” Mr Carter says.
ENDS