Telecommunications Sector Regulatory Review

The review will examine whether the sector’s current regulation remains fit for purpose in light of technology and market changes, noting the extensive work currently underway in this sector.

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 e-commerce 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the back of concerns raised by the sector – that while telecommunication services are essential, some regulations are outdated and hampering innovation and investment. 

The review will focus on the key regulatory issues raised by the telecommunications sector.  It will complement current work by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Commerce Commission.

MBIE and the Commerce Commission will work closely with the Ministry for Regulation and provide information and advice on the regulatory system they play a role in and are responsible for.

The review began with the release of its terms of reference on 3 June 2025 and is expected to run for six to nine months.  

The Ministry for Regulation will deliver a report of findings and recommendations to the Ministers for Regulation and Media and Communications for their consideration.

Scope of the review

The review is expected to examine whether the current regulation remains fit for purpose in light of technology and market changes, noting the extensive work currently underway in this sector.

The Review will examine:

• regulatory design, stewardship, and practice, including if the regulatory system is implemented consistently with good regulatory practice, regulatory efficiency, proportional compliance burden, good practice for setting and administering fees and levies for cost recovery; and
• whether the current regulatory system remains fit for purpose including examining the purpose of the Telecommunications Act 2001 and the current regime’s ability to keep pace with market and technological developments, with a view to achieving regulation that supports competition and innovation, including new technologies.

Out of scope

Given Cabinet recent decisions on elements of telecommunications regulation, the review will not include:

• the existence of the Telecommunications Development Levy TDL and the amount of the TDL
• the Radiocommunications Act 1989 (radio spectrum)
• the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013
• the Resource Management Act 2013
• the vertical separation of wholesale and retail fibre services that applies to Chorus and the other local fibre companies.
• The Commerce Commission’s ongoing Copper Services Investigation

Terms of Reference for the regulatory review of the telecommunications sector

Engagement and consultation

The Review will seek to hear 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.

The Review will use a variety of engagement methods to engage – online, in person and through inviting written feedback. Consideration will be given as to how we ensure that we consider as wide a range of views as possible.