Telecom submits two responses to NZ's broadband request

Telecom has submitted its response to the Invitation to Participate in providing Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) for New Zealand. Telecom will provide a fully compliant Preferred Commercial Model proposal, and an Alternative Commercial Model proposal. The alternative proposal focuses on delivering a national network using Telecom’s fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) program as the logical springboard for the government’s vision of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH).

“Telecom will submit a powerful proposition that will ensure the fast delivery of a national fibre network with none of the government’s money being wasted through duplicating what is already built,” said Paul Reynolds, CEO, Telecom. “It makes the maximum use of the fibre already in the ground, assures high quality and guaranteed delivery, and the absolute minimum of waste.

“Also, a national approach ensures individual regions benefit from a consistently engineered and interconnected network. Quality and flexibility are at the core of the network we propose to build. The network will last well into the future and be flexible enough to adapt - at minimal cost - to customer demand and new technologies as they emerge.

“We have designed our proposal from the ground up to meet the needs of all access seekers. This is because we understand that it will not just be Telecom, but also other wholesalers and retailers who will drive the demand for fibre to the home. Make no mistake, this will be a future-proofed, built to international standards, ‘open to all comers’ network,” he said.

“In addition to the two proposals Telecom is submitting, Telecom is open to discussing other alternative proposals which achieve the government’s objective, avoid unnecessary waste and align the incentives and investment plans of both the government and Telecom,” said Paul Reynolds.

“It is our strong belief that working together is the best use of both public and private funds to realise the vision of Ultra-Fast Broadband and will give the best result for Telecom shareholders and New Zealand Inc,” said Telecom chairman Wayne Boyd.