New Zealand Telecommunications Forum news stories

The Commerce Commission is welcoming the creation of new marketing codes for the telecommunications industry.

The mobile malware infects and steals data from the phones of unsuspecting victims.

The number of complaints received by the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution Scheme has grown on average by 14% year on year.

The Commerce Commission urgently seeks views on proposed marketing principles to reduce consumer confusion about alternative technology. 

"If we look at data internationally, we know our country is faring well, with New Zealand broadband speeds continuously improving and our fixed line broadband speeds above the OECD average."

The telecommunications industry is committed to ensuring vulnerable customers can continue to access emergency services.

There may be hundreds of thousands of discarded mobile phones sitting around in people’s homes.

"It was a significant test for the telecommunications sector, and collectively the industry stepped up to meet unprecedented levels of demand."

“By 2022, most New Zealanders are expected to have access to fibre at home. That means large parts of the traditional copper phone and broadband network may no longer be needed."

New Zealand telco firms are warning recent arson attempts on cell sites may have an impact on phone and internet connectivity across Auckland.                      

Vodafone New Zealand has opened 45 stores this week to support New Zealanders with essential services during the COVID-19 lockdown period. 

Telecommunications companies have closed their doors for usual retail service, but will provide repairs and modem and phone provisions only if there is a genuine connectivity issue.

New Zealand Telecommunications Forum says demand for data will increase as New Zealanders use their home networks to access internet to continue working, learning and to entertain themselves once the entire country goes into self-isolation. 

“The New Zealand telecommunication industry has high quality networks which are more than able to respond to extra demands on the networks from people working from home and spending more time at home due to self-isolation.

The Commerce Commission has released its Annual Telecommunication Monitoring Report this week, and the TCF says it is welcoming the report's findings. 

“The average New Zealand household has 4.6 telecommunications connections, so there is always going to be a higher level of complaints compared to other consumer goods or services."

Earlier this week, a Commerce Commission report stated that telecommunications had the most complaints of any industry - the TCF isn’t convinced.

The losses are almost five times higher compared to the same period last year, from reported losses alone.

“Historically, when we’ve seen scam activity on our network, we’ve lacked a fast and simple way to coordinate."

The New Zealand Telecommunications Industry has now blacklisted the Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all mobile networks, starting from November 18.

“NZ is one of few countries offering nationwide gigabit services to consumers via the UFB network, and this kind of innovation is putting us ahead."

“Number portability is key to the competition between telecommunications service providers."

“It’s an industry initiative led by the TCF in which all the major mobile phone operators work together.”

InternetNZ is welcoming the results of a NZTF report, saying it is a stocktake of the positive story NZ has to tell in telecommunications.