Trans-Tasman roaming investigation beings

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has said that New Zealand and Australia have launched a formal investigation into the trans-Tasman roaming services provided by the two countries’ mobile operators.

The investigation will be conducted by New Zealand’s Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and Australia’s Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. The announcement was made with Joyce’s Australian counterpart Senator Stephen Conroy, at the Korea-Australia-New Zealand (KANZ) Broadband Summit earlier today.  "Many New Zealanders take their mobile phone, tablet or laptop with them when they travel to Australia. They need to have confidence that they are purchasing services in a competitive market. If this investigation finds they are not, then regulatory intervention will be considered,” stated Joyce. A discussion paper was released last May that sought stakeholder views on whether a formal investigation was warranted.

The decision to investigate was based on analysis of traffic and revenue information provided by the operators as well as views expressed by respondents to the May consultation. "Our view is that, on the basis of the information before us, it is reasonable and appropriate to undertake a full market investigation,” says Mr Joyce. A final decision is expected in early 2012.