Rural voices must be heard in Telecommunications Sector Review

Rural Women New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s invitation for submissions on the Telecommunications Sector Review.

“Connectivity is essential for rural New Zealand and access to reliable, affordable telecommunications underpins so many of our rural businesses, communities and essential services,” says Nicole Oliver.

“While we understand the need to update regulation to reflect new technologies, we must ensure that the needs of rural communities are protected. Any changes to the Telecommunications Service Obligation (TSO) and the treatment of copper networks must not leave rural customers behind.”

“We support proposals for stronger consumer protections through a binding code enforced by the Commerce Commission but emphasise that these must account for the challenges in rural areas also, including limited-service options, and vulnerability to adverse weather events and associated power outages,” says Oliver.

RWNZ looks forward to having its say on the Government’s proposals and advocating for affordable, accessible telecommunications for rural New Zealanders.