The New Zealand government has issued a discussion paper to explore ways to future-proof the nation's telecom regulation.
The paper is part of the government's ongoing review of the Telecommunications Act of 2001, which seeks a range of options for communications regulation post-2020.
“Digital convergence, new technology and innovation are transforming the way we live, work and do business and communication networks have come a long way since the Telecommunications Act was passed in 2001, ” communications minister Amy Adams said.
“This review is a critical step in ensuring we have a regulatory regime which supports growth, investment and innovation in these sectors into the future. The more certainty communications sector investors have about the regulatory environment, the better placed they are to deliver more technology choices for consumers.”
The government is involved in telecommunications projects including the Ultrafast Broadband fiber network, the Rural Broadband Initiative and the Mobile Black Spot Fund programs.
The Minister cited a study showing that by 2022, at least 80% of New Zealanders will have access to fiber and 90% will have 4G mobile coverage.