Callplus Concerned Over Webb's Departure

Tuesday 11 July, 2006 - 4.50pm

CallPlus CEO Martin Wylie has expressed concerns at the announcement today from Commerce Commissioner Douglas Webb that he will not be seeking re-appointment next March.

"Whilst the Commerce Commission has made some bad calls in the past allowing Telecom to delay the impact of true competition within the Telecommunications industry, they have learnt some lessons the hard way," said Martin Wylie, CEO for CallPlus. "Unfortunately we are now in a situation where, at a critical time for the Commerce Commission and the industry, we will lose all the experience and learning's that the Commerce Commissioner has gained over the last few years.

"The new legislation will require a strong, well resourced Commerce Commission if it is to carry out its pivotal role. A highly capable team needs to be put in place at the Commerce Commission and this will be even tougher with Douglas Webb's announcement. A strong candidate needs to be identified and in place well ahead of march to ensure that the regulatory change does not lose momentum.

"It's a bit like the All-Blacks changing their first five a month before the World cup begins," Concludes Wylie.

ENDS

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