Reforms promise cheaper telecommunications

12:00 PM

Consumers are being promised cheaper telecommunications services in the future.

The Government has announced what it says is a package of "world-leading" telecommunications regulatory reforms, following recommendations of an inquiry earlier this year.

Communications Minister Paul Swain says the new regime is designed to bring greater certainty, investment and competition to the industry with greater benefits to consumers.

He says a key part of the reforms is the creation of a Telecommunications Commissioner whose function will be to resolve disputes over regulated services.

Another feature of the reforms is an upgrade to the Kiwi Share requirements which will see Internet services made available to virtually all New Zealanders.

- IRN