Telecommunications Sector Regulatory Review
Getting the regulations right for a sector that sets the foundation for digital innovation and connectivity across New Zealand.
Telecommunications touch almost every part of modern life and are used every day by the majority of New Zealanders. The sector is as essential as electricity and water.
From education and healthcare to business and entertainment, reliable digital infrastructure powers economic growth and daily life.
The Telecommunications Sector Regulatory Review was launched on the back of concerns raised by the sector – that while telecommunication services are essential, some regulations are outdated and hampering innovation and investment.
Scope of the review
The Review began with the release of its Terms of Reference on 3 June 2023. The Terms of Reference outlined the scope and approach to the review.
See the Terms of Reference
Engagement and consultation
The Review heard from a variety of different voices including regulated parties, providers of services, consumers – including rural communities and disabled communities – and other stakeholders who are impacted by the regulations.
Review findings and recommendations
The Review found that:
- outdated rules make innovation difficult in a fast-moving market where technology is continuously changing. The system needs to be resilient to change.
- the regulatory system is overly complex, making it challenging to navigate. Streamlining the rules could make compliance easier for businesses.
- regulations should match the scale, risk, and impact of specific issues.
The Review recommends:
- streamlining fibre regulation to remove duplication
- improving telecommunications levy models to reduce compliance burden
- improving consumer protection by making rules clearer and easier to use
- encouraging a more balanced, transparent regulatory approach.
Ministers have approved the changes to the Telecommunications Development Levy recommended in the report. They are continuing to consider their response to the other recommendations.
The full review reports and other papers of interest are listed below:
- Final Report - Telecommunications Sector Regulatory Review (2.7 MB, Pdf)
- Summary Report - Telecommunications Regulatory Review (346 KB, Pdf)
- Appendix 1 - Summary of Engagement (599 KB, Pdf)
- Appendix 2 - Analytical Framework for the Telecommunications Regulatory Review (113 KB, Pdf)
- Appendix 3 - Cost-Benefit Analysis of Proposed Regulatory Changes to the Telecommunications Service Obligation (280 KB, Pdf)