InternetNZ supports wireless broadband decision

InternetNZ supports Government’s wireless broadband decision

Media Release

23 November 2006

InternetNZ (The Internet Society of New Zealand) congratulates the Government on its decision to reallocate spectrum for the purposes of wireless broadband, concurring that the move will provide better, more competitive access to broadband. Communications Minister Hon David Cunliffe made the announcement today, with an auction process set to begin in early 2007.

InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson says wireless broadband is a key ingredient in a successful digital strategy because of New Zealand’s mountainous terrain and population distribution, and there are further benefits: “New Zealand is uniquely placed to innovate in the wireless area – we have a natural advantage as a nation of islands far away from anywhere, avoiding cross-border interference issues that many other countries face.”

Davidson says the allocation of a 16MHz block as a Managed Park has the potential to fill the gulf between current “public park” and Management Rights regimes.

“This will enable a new generation of wireless service providers to build more stable and reliable businesses to connect New Zealanders. We applaud the Government in pursuing a strategy of ‘strength through diversity’, which is one of the key elements of the success of the Internet as a global communications platform.

“We hope the ensuing consultative process of developing Managed Park policy takes into account a wide range of views from the broader wireless industry - balancing innovation from the new generation of operators with the experience of the more established wireless network providers. InternetNZ extends an offer to help facilitate this process through its membership and aligned organisations.

InternetNZ also looks forward to further announcements around the use of the high capacity 80/90GHz band to support the local interconnection of emerging broadband wireless access operators and other Government initiatives such as the GSN and KAREN.

ENDS

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