Synopsis
New Zealand is determined avoid difficulties the Australian government has had with regards to its national infrastructure. The construction of a fibre-to-the-home network in New Zealand requires a combined effort from the government and the industry. The government’s proposal to provide around $1.5Bn of funding for the proposed network and the formation of local fibre companies to operate infrastructure, is a good starting point. However there is still no substantial evidence that Telecom has fully embraced the new wholesale direction that would be a key ingredient of an open access plan. It will be crucial that any plan from the government to deploy fibre-to-the-home ensures that cabinetisation is part of the roadmap. Sound and unambiguous government policies and effective regulations are required. This report provides strategic analysis of currently crucial developments relating to fibre-to-the-home networks in New Zealand.