KEY POINTS:
Communications Minister David Cunliffe is asking the Commerce Commission to consider a new investigation into price regulation of mobile phone roaming.
Roaming allows subscribers of one mobile network to use their mobile telephone handset on a different mobile network to make and receive calls.
As a result, a new entrant to the market would be able to offer nationwide services while it builds its own network.
In March the commission recommended that prices for mobile roaming should not be regulated.
Today a statement from Cunliffe's office said the minister had accepted the commission's view that the national roaming service should not be subject to price regulation.
But the statement also quoted Cunliffe saying that after making his decision, further potentially material evidence was brought to his attention.
"I believe it important that this evidence be tested," he said.
"I am asking the Commerce Commission to consider whether there are grounds to commence a fresh investigation into whether, in light of this new information, designation, including price regulation, is warranted."
- NZPA
