The determination relates to business line rental and local calling, fixed-to-mobile services, directory assistance, voice messaging, business and residential broadband access and data services outside the major centres, with the Commission ordering these services be provided to TelstraClear at 16 percent below Telecom's normal retail prices.
"What this determination means for small businesses and customers is that they now have the choice of having either Telecom or TelstraClear as their supplier of many telecommunication services, even in areas beyond the reach of the TelstraClear access network," said Douglas Webb, Telecommunications Commissioner for New Zealand.
The Commission took almost a year to reach its decision, with TelstraClear applying for a determination on 16 May 2002.The determination will remain in effect for 18 months.
TelstraClear has made a separate application in respect of residential local access and calling services, which is currently being investigated by the Commission.
Pity T(H)elstra's head office in Oz doesn't provide the same services & facilities to its competitors in Australia. The also rans (Competition) have to fight tooth & nail to get any concessions from T(H)elstra. Who is the looser in all of this?? Why the consumer of course!! T(H)elstra is a greedy monopoly and it is obvious it doesn't make a jot of difference which country one looks at. The Telco's all behave the same way. The abuse their powers unmercifully !