Broadband to provide product prices

Broadband product prices are set to be revealed in a government bid to improve the transparency of information for consumers.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says work will start on developing an industry regulation framework, which could include enhanced disclosure requirements for matters such as the total cost of a service, broadband speed, data caps and contract lengths.

“As the ultra-fast broadband network is rolled out around the country, consumers will need a clear foundation on which to consider and compare broadband offerings,” Adams says.

“It is important that consumers are provided with accurate information about competing product offerings and are able to make informed choices.

“While my initial focus is on residential broadband services, I would anticipate that transparency in other communications services could be included in this work programme in due course.”

Adams also welcomed the move by the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum to develop its own code of practice.

“However, at this time, I consider there is merit in the Forum’s code of practice occurring in parallel with the development of a proposed regulatory framework.”