InternetNZ welcomes Bitstream Application

InternetNZ welcomes Bitstream Application Statement

14 October 2005

“This is very good news for NZ Internet users,” is the response of Keith Davidson, Executive Director of InternetNZ, on the publication by the Commerce Commission of the latest statement in the TelstraClear Bitstream Application process.

The Commission has asked for public feedback on a range of positions which mark an improvement on those set out in the draft Determination.

“In particular, we are delighted to see that the Commission intends to recommend an uncapped downstream speed service – to a potential maximum of 7.6mbps,” Keith Davidson said.

“InternetNZ views the proposed pricing point as being at the high side, but tolerable, and is comfortable with the proposed mechanism for price adjustments. We believe the Churn fee should be set as low as possible, certainly at the bottom of the range of possibilities highlighted by the Commission.

“In addition, the proposed provision of operational support to TelstraClear appears to be sensible.

“On the important issue of timing, we endorse the Commission’s view that Telecom should be able to provide the service within four weeks of the release of the final determination.

“InternetNZ would have preferred to see a higher SIR (sustained information rate) than that requested by TelstraClear, in order to ensure higher quality services should the terms of this determination be shared with other providers.

“However, we respect the fact that the determination is specifically about TelstraClear, and we welcome the Commission’s statement that ‘the acceptance of TelstraClear’s request would not prevent the Commission setting different SIR parameters on any subsequent bitstream application’.

“InternetNZ will provide a brief written response to the call for comment, and looks forward to a final determination being released by the Commission as soon as possible,” concluded Keith Davidson.

ENDS

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