Launch of the survey follows the Commission’s finalisation of the key regulatory rules, requirements and processes - or input methodologies - for the new regulatory regime, and it’s strategy for promoting competition in telecommunications markets.

The rules apply to New Zealand’s largest telco Chorus and local fibre companies Enable Networks, Northpower Fibre and Ultrafast Fibre which supply wholesale inputs to retailers.

“Now the rules underpinning the regime are finalised, we want to hear from stakeholders as we work to set a revenue cap and minimum quality standards for Chorus and information disclosure requirements for all providers,” Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson says. 

“In particular, we want to hear from wholesale customers of fibre networks about the key risks they think may lead to a lessening of competition in wholesale and retail telecommunications markets, as well as key opportunities to promote competition.

“We also want to hear what role sunlight regulation and Chorus’ price-quality path will have in mitigating risks or seizing opportunities to promote workable competition in telecommunications markets for the long-term benefit of end-users.”

The Commission says it expects the survey will give it a better-informed view on the extent to which the promotion of workable competition in telecommunications markets is relevant to setting the revenue cap and minimum quality standards for Chorus and information disclosure requirements for all providers - and assisting it to set the next phase of regulation consistent with its obligations under the Telecommunications Act.

The information disclosure requirements will apply from January 2022 and the first price-quality path for Chorus will apply for the period January 2022 until the end of 2024.

The Commerce Commission’s survey and companion paper are available here, and stakeholders can also submit a written submission via the Commission’s online submission form here.

Submissions close on 25 February 2021.