While the Government's UFB programme ensured a fibre network was built, there was not enough attention given to the demand side. Photo / Stuart Monroe
Former telecommunications official says aligning copper prices will hasten uptake of fibre. Government intervention in the copper broadband market is a quick fix to rushed policy introduced in 2011, says former Telecommunications Commissioner Ross Patterson.
Patterson, who left the Commerce Commission last year, emerged yesterday as a supporter of the Government adjusting what lines company Chorus charges internet retailers for copper services.
Under the existing regime the commission has proposed cutting wholesale copper prices to around $32 a month, less than the entry-level price of much faster fibre services.
The Government's response was to step in and fast-track a review of telecommunications law, effectively sidelining the regulator. As part of this review, Information and Communications Minister Amy Adams proposed setting copper prices between $37.50 and $42.50 - roughly equivalent to fibre prices.