New Zealand Watchdog To Study Mobile Regulation, Lack Of New Entry"

WELLINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The New Zealand Commerce Commission Wednesday said it will examine reasons for the lack of new entry in the mobile services market.

The watchdog said in a statement the study will be a prelude to a decision on whether to start a probe into possible changes to the regulatory framework.

"The Commission will shortly begin gathering information from the industry and expects to complete this initial phase within a few months," the statement said.

If the commission decide to launch a formal investigation, a report will be provided to Minister of Communications David Cunliffe on completion of the investigation, with recommendations on any proposed regulatory changes.

Telecom Corp. of New Zealand and UK-based Vodafone Group dominate the local mobile industry, holding 100% of the market between them.

-By Shri Navaratnam, Dow Jones Newswires; 64-4-471-5990; shri.navaratnam@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires "

Posted to the site on 10th May 2006