Commission outlines fibre unbundling, privacy reforms on horizon

Commerce Commission clarifies fibre unbundling

A draft guidance document from the Commerce Commission explains how the telecommunications regulator views fibre unbundling.

Unbundled fibre means service providers can install their own electronics at each end of a fibre line. They would expect to pay a smaller monthly subscription to the wholesale fibre company for each unbundled line.

Because the cost of providing the necessary electronics is small fraction of the overall cost of providing fibre broadband, the potential savings are small.

Unbundling is required by law

Fibre companies are required by law to offer unbundled services on the UFB network. Telecommunications commissioner Dr Stephen Gale says; "Unbundling is important as it is designed to promote competition and innovation in fibre broadband services”.

The commission's role is to monitor and enforce the fibre companies obligations to give unbundled access to service providers.

They have all done so, but some service providers have companies loudly that the terms offered are unacceptable. Or, as the Commerce Commission puts it: "...there has been some concern from retailers about whether the unbundled terms and prices offered are the equivalent of what the LFCs effectively supply to themselves when they provide standard broadband services."

The commission says its draft guidance is to help the industry understand how the regulator interprets fibre company obligations. The document is open for consultation until April 28 and the commission will accept cross submission until May 12. It says it will then issue a final guidance later in the year.

Privacy Commissioner: International data breach awareness rising

In 2019 Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) found significant awareness of data breach best practice. It found 84 percent of responding organisations have systems in place for reporting breaches, this includes having people responsible for handling them Privacy Commissioner John Edwards say is it encouraging.

The issue is about to get increased attention in New Zealand. Edwards says organisations here who handle personal information will need to get ready for the new Privacy Act, now at the committee stage, which will include mandatory data breach notification.

Stuff moves into broadcast esports

Media company Stuff has cut a deal with Australian esports company LetsPlay.Live. The move will see Stuff feature and promote LPL across its properties and offer on-demand and live streaming video content on PlayStuff.

.NZ domain fees to rise 20 percent

InternetNZ is to increase the wholesale price of a .NZ domain by 25 cents from $1.25 to $1.50. The new charge will apply from June 1. It is the first wholesale price rise in a decade. While the increase is small enough for domain registrars to absorb, it may lead to rises in the retail price of domains.

Jordan Carter, InternetNZ chief executive, says the change offers a modest but much needed update now that registration numbers are falling. It will mean InternetNZ can continue to offer security and co-ordination services.

Vector names Spark as metering IoT provider

Lines company Vector will use Spark's CAT M1 Internet of Things network for remote metering. For now it will be supported by Spark's 4G cellular network, but there is a path for a later move to 5G. The move will enable real-time metering, something that will become more important as the electricity network evolves to better accomodate technologies such as solar power and storage batteries.

Tuanz to host Connected Marae National Hui

Tuanz will work with Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru to hold a national hui discussing the connected marae. The hui will take place in Rotorua on March 26 with a theme of “Titiro whakamuri, kia anga whakamua“: Look to the past to progress forward into the future.

Craig Young, Tuanz CEO, says the idea emerged from other hui and conferences dealing with rural connectivity. There's a recognition of a lack of connectivity to marae across the country. InternetNZ and Vodafone will support the hui.

InternetNZ updates broadband map

InternetNZ has updated its broadband map (broadband map.nz) to include more accurate information about fixed wireless availability. The map lets users compare broadband technologies in their neighbourhood.