Telecommunications Across the Tasman: A Comparison of Regulatory Approaches and Economic Outcomes in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

The reform of the telecommunications regulations began at virtually the same time in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand, the first serious steps were taken in 1986 with the commissioning by the Government of the Mason-Morris report into the operations of the Post Office. In Australia, the Government initiated a review of telecommunications arrangements some eight months later. Close geographical proximity, the near simultaneity of the processes, and the fact that at the time both countries had Labor Governments did not, however, mean than similar outcomes eventuated.

Keywords: Telecommunications, Regulation