Orcon chief Scott Bartlett has said that the Commerce Commission’s sub-loop extension service decision is “great news for Kiwi consumers”.

"The ruling helps restore investment incentives and will lead to increased competition – which is vital for New Zealand’s broadband landscape until we see the ultra-fast broadband roll-out," Bartlett said.

“The Commission recognises that Telecom has had the service for more than a year and we look forward to Telecom back-dating the credits to access seekers, and levelling the playing field. It’s a complex matter, but the Commission and industry have navigated their way through it to resolve this issue,” he added.

Bartlett says that what it means for broadband users, is that telcos can continue to invest in building a network that provides competition and differentiated service.

“Orcon believes the decision will result in a substantial reduction in the retail price of broadband and telephone packages and inevitably lead to better value for consumers,” Bartlett finished.