Promises, promises: Telecom NZ embraces the new order

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 24 May 2006 19:14

IT Policy - Regulation

See also: NZ Gov't unbundles local loop, forces accounting separation on Telecom NZ

Telecom New Zealand CEO, Theresa Gattung, has pledged that her company will embrace and not seek to derail or delay the regulatory era ushered in by the government earlier this month.
In a speech to the Telecommunications Users Group of New Zealand (TUANZ) annual conference, Gattung acknowledged that there was "A view in the industry and the media that Telecom was only moving begrudgingly," and she added "I am here to tell you in no uncertain terms, we get it".

"We know there is broad public support for [the new regulatory initiatives]. Throughout Telecom, we are 100% committed to making the new environment work....We are not arguing to turn back time. We are not going to be obstructive. We are not going to mount any rearguard actions. We are not going to fight old regulatory battles. We are not going to hide behind legalistic arguments....We are committed to New Zealand and New Zealanders, and we are acting swiftly to get traction right across the company with our new directions."

She said that Telecom Wholesale would be the first part of the organisation to reflect the new reality. "The steps in the journey towards a more independent wholesale have already started: Our announcements last month around our business re-organisation; The launch of our charter set out three tough principles: consistent service delivery experience for end users between retail and wholesale; launch of intermediate products which are consistent between retail and wholesale; greater transparency and communication."

Gattung acknowledged that some in the industry would be sceptical but assured her audience that "this is not mere window dressing...we are committed to this new direction. We will play by the new rules. We will be open. We will be true to our word. And we will be doing our absolute utmost to optimise and harmonise the needs of all customers, shareholders, regulators, competitors and New Zealanders."