KEY POINTS:
The telecommunications numbering system is under scrutiny, with the Commerce Commission today saying a study was needed as a result of market changes and technology development.
The commission issued terms of reference for the study on numbering management, and said it expected to deliver the final report in September.
Telecommunications numbers in this country are administrated by an industry body under the terms of the number administration deed (NAD), signed in 1999.
Telecommunications Users Association chief executive Ernie Newman said the NAD was complicated, expensive and disorderly in a modern competitive industry.
It had also not been successful in blocking certain loopholes around the use of telephone numbers as the industry became more international.
Telecommunications commissioner Ross Patterson said the commission wanted to ensure the management of "this critical resource" adequately met current and future demands of industry and consumers.
- NZPA
