Call for facts in broadband debate

22 February 2006

Call for facts in broadband debate

Business NZ has called for a more factually based argument over broadband access.

Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly says given the conflicting claims over broadband volume and price, Business NZ had decided to commission the same company* responsible for the Ministry of Economic Development's broadband reports to find out the current competitive situation on how well New Zealand consumers are being served.

He says the research shows that since Telecom's recent price changes, its broadband offerings are now among the best priced in the world.

"Last year Telecom's broadband prices for small business packages were outside the twenty best in the world but now they're among the top ten. Residential deals are also among the best in the world.

"The data shows there's a group of developed countries - including the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and European and Scandinavian countries - whose offerings include high broadband speeds and relatively similar prices. New Zealand is clearly offering comparable volumes at comparable speeds and with comparable prices to the 'pack'.

"The latest figures show New Zealand is in most cases better off than other first world countries."

The research shows offerings in download speeds and volume packages and compares prices using $US 'purchasing power parity'.

ENDS

© Scoop Media