Pushback on internet filter bill, Chatham 4G upgrade, roaming returns

Opposition mounts to Internet filter bill

Changes to the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act could force all New Zealand internet service providers to filter internet content.

The aim of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Bill now before Parliament is to block objectionable material.

Showing violent content would become a criminal offence and those involves could face fines as high as $200,000.

In part the legislation is a response to the Christchurch mosque attacks. There, the gunman filmed and live-streamed his murder of worshippers on Facebook.

The proposal gives additional powers to the Chief Censor.

Far reaching bill

Critics of the bill say it is both too far-reaching while at the same time it go far enough to address more commonplace internet abuses.

Among those objecting are the NZ Council for Civil Liberties and InternetNZ. It is also opposed by the National, Act, the Green Park and Te Paati Māori.

In its submission to the bill committee the NZ Council for Civil Liberties says "the Bill sets up a dangerous internet censorship filter that will be ripe for abuse by future governments."

The organisation says it doesn't believe the bill will be effective at reducing harm.

InternetNZ supports the goals of the bill, but says a filter would be "a pseudo-solution at best, and downright dangerous at worst."

RCG to build Chatham Island 4G network

Crown Infrastructure Partners says it will spend $11.5 million on a new telecommunications network for the Chatham Islands. The money includes contributions from the Provincial Growth Fund, money earmarked for the second stage of the Rural Broadband Initiative. The three mobile operators; Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees will also contribute.

The Rural Connectivity Group, a joint venture between Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees, is working on the network. It will include a new satellite dish and a link offering four times the existing capacity serving the islands. There will be five cellular towers. The new network will give almost every household and business on the island 4G wireless broadband. At the same time it will cover most roads.

Commerce Commission wraps mobile bill review

The Commerce Commission says it has completed its review of consumer mobile phone bills. In a response to industry criticism of its methodology, the Commission has revised the reported analysis of existing bills it used to criticise industry practices. The tweaked numbers means that fewer customers could potentially save money by switching plans, while at the same time the average savings customers could make would increase.

2degrees waives Aussie roaming fees

This week the cabinet announced it will open a trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia later this month. When that happens mobile phone customers will be able to use their handsets on Australian networks. Roaming has long been a lucrative source of revenue for New Zealand carriers. Yet, 2degrees says it will not charge customers on its business plans to use their phones on the other side of the Tasman.

Sky cuts non-exclusive content deal with NBCUniversal

A deal between Sky and NBCUniversal will give the local broadcaster and streaming service access to material including the E! And Universal TV channels. Sky says while some of the material will be exclusive, it will also share local access with other services.

May date for Tuanz Rural Connectivity Symposium

Tuanz is holding its Rural Connectivity Symposium in Hamilton on May 25. The event will take place over four sessions at the Claudelands Event Centre. If there is a change in pandemic alert levels it will be held online.