KEY POINTS:
Telecommunications Commissioner Douglas Webb will stay on in his job for an extra four months because the Government has failed to attract a replacement in time.
Communications Minister David Cunliffe said yesterday that Webb, who was due to finish on March 11, had agreed to continue in his role until July 11.
"Mr Webb's continued presence at the commission will provide stability and continuity at an important time for the New Zealand telecommunications industry. An appointment is close to being made and I appreciate Mr Webb covering the transition period."
The appointment process for a new commissioner was well advanced, with a number of excellent candidates interviewed, he said. The role of Telecommunications Commissioner has taken on increasing importance over the past year after the Government's decision to break Telecom's phone line monopoly.
The commission is responsible for ensuring that Telecom's competitors get fair access to its phone lines, as well as recommending regulatory change in the industry and creating peace between warring internet and phone companies.
The Business Herald revealed last month that Webb would stay on as Telecommunications Commissioner because a replacement had not been found in time. Webb resigned seven months ago.
