Telstra calls Telecom 'hypocrite' over access charge

SYDNEY - Telstra has labelled its transtasman rival Telecom New Zealand as "hypocritical" after that company complained about the price Telstra wants to charge for the use of its network.

Telecom NZ said last week it would consider an alternative service provider for its ailing Australian business AAPT, after "difficult" negotiations with provider Telstra.

But Telstra yesterday highlighted the difficulties its New Zealand business TelstraClear is having with regard to access to Telecom NZ's network across the Tasman.

"Telecom New Zealand would appear to be hypocritical in this instance," said Telstra spokesman Warwick Ponder.

Almost two years ago, the New Zealand Government ruled that it would not unbundle the local loop (ULL), meaning it is one of just two countries in the developed world without the service.

In Australia, the ULL service allows a competitor to lease the use of Telstra's line to supply any combination of access, voice, ADSL or other data services.

Ponder said the telecom companies would continue negotiations regarding the fees paid by AAPT in Australia, for the use of its copper line for fixed line and broadband services.

A Telecom spokesman said that when it came to wholesale, Telstra provided only what was required of it by law and "that's very different from the more proactive stance that we are endeavouring to take in New Zealand".