Auckland, 2 July 2007 – TCF Independent Chair, Malcolm Alexander, announced today that the TCF has reached unanimous agreement on another set of ‘unbundled’ services in the ‘unbundling’ process  –  this time in relation to ‘UBA’ (also called ‘naked DSL’).

“This is another marvellous achievement”, said Mr Alexander.  “It demonstrates once again that the industry can work together, on a multilateral basis, to sort out very complex issues for the benefit of all consumers”.

This UBA agreement will be included in Telecom’s proposal to the Commission in July. 

In essence, UBA requires Telecom to provide certain broadband services to non-Telecom providers, for re-sale to their end customers, without also having to buy normal phone services. 

This is expected to open the door for rapid growth in ‘voice over the internet’ (VOIP) and other digital services.

In addition, Telecom has agreed to target the end of September for the delivery of the offer of the Basic UBA service on a commercial basis, which is at least three months earlier than the Commission’s timetable.

“The parties have worked really hard, and achieved a very positive outcome within a tight timeframe”, Mr Alexander emphasised.  “This is a major contribution toward the Government’s goal of faster and better broadband services”.

The TCF will next focus on ‘backhaul’ services.