Fibre competition not strong enough to deregulate
There is not enough competition in the fibre wholesale market to justify deregulation. Government to sell Chorus debt. CDC plans major Taranaki datacentre.
Bill Bennett
Independent news and analysis of New Zealand's telecommunications market
Latest posts
New Zealand’s direct-to-cell revolution
Space-based cellular networks are reshaping Aotearoa’s market. Bill Bennett interviewed Khurram Shahzad, senior director analyst at Gartner to get the big picture. Also this week: Chorus launches TimeSync and the Commerce Commission moves on with its fibre review.
Spark restructure separates digital services from connectivity
Spark restructuring into two divisions and reviewing options for its Digital Services arm, including possible sale. Leadership changes announced
ISPs call for Starlink market study
An open letter from Ispanz to the Telecommunications Commissioner warns of the dangers Starlink poses to the sector. Commerce Commission moves to deregulate mobile co-location.
2degrees narrows the gap – but which gap?
2degrees has been the standout performer in the the mobile market over the last year, closing the gap with Spark and One NZ, but there's another narrative.
Consumers unsatisfied despite world-class networks
Data in the Commerce Commission's 2025 Telecommunications Monitoring Report shows customer satisfaction sliding even as fibre and mobile networks improve. Starlink now leading rural broadband. 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz band redistribution, Jason Paris to leave One NZ.
Regulator impatient for better debt practices
The Commerce Commission orders immediate improvements to telco debt practices and a revised disconnection code by end of 2026. Also: NZ domains hit a record high, a new cable surveillance system launches and the NCSC reports its first severe cyber attacks since 2022.
Tuanz calls for bipartisan technology strategy
New Zealand needs a clear, long-term technology strategy ‘that endures beyond electoral cycles - Tuanz. Chorus happy with longer fibre regulatory period.
ComCom proposes extending Chorus regulatory period
The Commerce Commission proposes extending Chorus' fibre price-quality regulation from four years to five, aligning it with other utilities. A pre-election briefing from the TCF wants the next government to recognise telecommunications as critical infrastructure.
Analysis: Streaming ain’t what it used to be
Streaming and fast broadband have changed how we watch sport and other video entertainment, but the golden age is over. Where will digital media go next?
SpaceX IPO impact, Golden Bay resilience, fibre review
SpaceX's IPO will reshape NZ telecoms, Golden Bay residents warn of an unresolved emergency communications gap and Chorus responds to Spark's criticisms in the Fibre IM Review. Plus One NZ research reveals a growing AI trust problem.
Analysis: What SpaceX’s IPO means for NZ telecommunications
SpaceX's US$75 billion IPO will accelerate Starlink's expansion and fund aggressive pricing in New Zealand, this will put pressure on rural fixed wireless ISPs and challenge the economics of mobile carriers especially in the regions.
Cell site batteries, private 5G, refurbished phones
National Infrastructure Funding and Financing behind cell site resilience upgrades. Spark builds a private 5G network at Port Nelson. One NZ sells second hand phones.
Wireless carriers push back on fibre-first rural broadband
New Zealand's mobile sector challenges the idea that fibre should be the first choice for rural broadband. Overseas telcos operating in New Zealand will now be subject to local laws and regulations. Submarine cable safety.
Data sovereignty in New Zealand
What data sovereignty means for New Zealand organisations, why the US Cloud Act matters even for data stored locally and why 'local cloud' claims do not guarantee legal protection from foreign jurisdiction.