Internet Providers Go into Bat for Consumers

Media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2005

Internet Providers Go into Bat for Consumers

The Internet Service Providers Association of New Zealand (ISPANZ) are making progress in their quest to bring better value internet service to New Zealanders.

The group of 22 met this week to complete the process of becoming an incorporated society, agreeing on a constitution and electing a board. They have also a launched a web site http://ispanz.org.nz.

Newly elected president David Diprose, the general manager regulatory for ihug, says ISPANZ's focus is improving broadband availability for all New Zealanders.

"We're finalising our program of work for the coming year and our main goal is to ensure that consumers can benefit from greater broadband availability, faster speeds and more affordable prices."

Diprose says the group is hopeful that a bitstream determination, soon to be released by the Commerce Commission, will be at least as positive as the earlier draft, so that wholesalers of broadband can compete effectively and offer their customers better value services.

"This is an important next step for New Zealand if we want to catch up with the rest of the developed world for broadband uptake," he says.

The elected board members are:

President: David Diprose - ihug
Vice-president: Scott Bartlett - Quik Internet
Secretary: Robert Hunt - Plain Communications
Members:
Brett Herkt -Maxnet
Graham Walmsley - CallPlus
Jenny Longhurst - ICONZ
Mark Frater - Quicksilver

ENDS

ABOUT ISPANZ

ISPANZ is a group of highly experienced and savvy Internet technologists and entrepreneurs who are committed to encouraging innovation and the development of information and communication technology to benefit New Zealand consumers.

For more information please visit http://ispanz.org.nz.

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