Briefs: Telstra calls for open N.Z. broadband loop

The head of Australia's TelstraClear Friday called for the unbundling of New Zealand's local loops as a means of expanding Kiwi broadband service.

Allan Freeth said in a news release that New Zealand's refusal to allow Local Loop Unbundling bucked an international trend and contributed directly to New Zealand Telecom's disappointing efforts to increase high-speed Internet access.

"Local loop unbundling is part of the package that will lift New Zealand's performance ... by enabling true competition in the telecommunications market," said Freeth.

The TelstraClear chief executive officer called on the government to swiftly authorize loop unbundling to allow outside broadband providers access to Telecom's nationwide infrastructure loop.

Telecom said Thursday that that it had delivered 63,000 wholesale broadband customers despite a goal of 83,000 customers.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International