The Government has begun the biggest review of the telecommunications and broadcasting markets since the advent of the internet, with the release by Communications and Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams of a discussion paper for public submissions.

This continues the government’s review of the Telecoms Act 2001 and invites views on a range of options for regulation post 2020.

“In 2001 New Zealand telecommunications services mainly revolved around a single company – providing both the infrastructure (wholesale) and retail services – and was based on copper telephone lines as the primary input technology”.

Communications Minister Amy Adams said the current Telecommunications Act has been surpassed by new technology and innovation.

“By 2022, at least 80% of New Zealanders will have access to fibre and 90% will have 4G mobile coverage”.

“We have an opportunity to ensure that the benefits of this investment are maximised for New Zealand, and further investment and innovation is encouraged by having the most appropriate telecommunications regulatory regime in place”.

“Like other countries around the world, New Zealand is grappling with issues of rapid transformation of its communications sectors”.

Ms Adams wants industry, consumers and stakeholders to have a say in developing a regulations regime.

Network operator Chorus said the review was needed, and it was in nobody’s interest to have a regulatory process that potentially produced price shocks and uncertainty, every year.

The government is involved in telecommunications projects including the Ultrafast Broadband fiber network, the Rural Broadband Initiative and the Mobile Black Spot Fund programs. The consultation runs until 27 October.