Telecommunications and the Road Corridor

Steve Fuller General Manager, Network Delivery Telecom Limited

Speech Notes

New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group
Charter of Understanding
Signing Ceremony

3 March 2004
Parliament Buildings
Wellington

Speech for Steve Fuller
Delivered 3March 2004 at
NZUAG Charter Signing Ceremony
GM, Network Delivery
Telecom

Tonight it is my privilege to represent Telecom’s CEO, Theresa Gattung and COO, Simon Moutter who both, unfortunately where unable to attend here tonight. In my capacity here tonight, as I speak to you, not only do I represent Telecom, but the communications industry in relation to the utility providers who provide telecommunication services to New Zealand.

There is no question about the fact that the technological advancement in communications is advancing at an incredible rate delivering greater simplicity, functionality for all New Zealander’s at a price they can enjoy. Communications will clearly be a key contributing factor in the success of business’s in the future, whether they be large or small in size. The home as you and I know it today, will take on a different form in the future, mobility, flexibility and simplicity in the way we will communicate at home.

There is one common element to all the above, communications infrastructure.

The delivery of modern communications infrastructure in New Zealand has in recent times been an issue of growing public policy importance and interest. While New Zealand is increasingly well served by up to date communications, any initiative that promotes certainty and efficient use of the road corridors, will serve well the ever increasing communication demands of New Zealanders.

The road corridor is generally recognised as the most efficient, and in many cases the only means, of supplying essential infrastructure. Communications infrastructure providers as with other utility providers have over the years had to struggle with a number of competing interests and uncertainties while trying to deliver their services. At Telecom this was certainly our experience due to our ubiquitous network covering the majority of the country, therefore, experiencing firsthand the multitude of approaches towards corridor management.

Consistency is a very positive and valuable business concept within the commercial realities of today. In the absence of consistency, uncertainties are created which deliver delays and additional costs, which in turn benefit no body at the end of the day.

Telecom and TelstraClear fully support the initiatives of the NZUAG and are committed to working collaboratively with other utility sectors, local and central government to develop efficient processes and solutions for mutual benefit.

By working together, the members of the NZUAG have been able to develop a set of rules and guidelines to create certainty and consistency while ensuring communities continue to experience the benefits of those services they demand.

As telecommunication companies we join with the other NZUAG members in encouraging local government, Transit and other utilities to join us in adopting these guidelines so that together we can realise the common goals the NZUAG seek.

I would personally like to thank the Minister and his Government for creating an environment where such an arrangement is not only possible, but also actively encouraged.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of the NZUAG, your effort, determination and common focus will undoubtedly benefit all New Zealanders in some shape or form.

Thank you.