Commission seeks feedback on domestic backhaul services

Issued 12 August 2016
Release No. 13

Commission seeks feedback on domestic backhaul services

The Commerce Commission has today released a discussion paper seeking information on domestic ‘backhaul’ services. Questions asked in the paper cover how the services have evolved – given the rapid changes in the telecommunications market – and whether regulation may need to be altered to best promote downstream competition for the long term benefit of consumers.

Generally speaking, ‘backhaul’ conveys internet traffic between the 600 local exchanges and the major exchanges, upstream of which internet service providers like Vocus, Vodafone and Spark have their own national networks and international connections. Backhaul also carries traffic from mobile and fixed wireless sites back to the core networks of service providers.

“Backhaul services are a key component of the telecommunications market and critical for ensuring New Zealanders can benefit from access to quality broadband services,” said Commissioner Dr Stephen Gale.

“We want to explore whether the current regulatory regime is fit for purpose, so we would like to hear from anyone with an interest in this sector.”

The Commission is seeking feedback on the paper: A Section 9A Backhaul Study: Preliminary questions in understanding domestic backhaul services. Interested parties are invited to respond by 23 September 2016. Please send your feedback to telco@comcom.govt.nz.

The discussion paper and related information are available on the Commission’s website:www.comcom.govt.nz/study-of-telecommunications-backhaul-services.

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