Telecom-Cabinet agrees to allow competition

The Prime Minister is pleased that Cabinet has agreed to free up the market and allow competition in the telecommunications sector but it could be at least February 2010 until the changes are formalised under law. This week, the Prime Minister tabled a set of proposals before the Cabinet, asking for a directive on the future of the telecommunications sector. A number of interests had been given the opportunity to submit opinions, including Forum Secretariat advisor John Budden, who travelled to Rarotonga and consulted with the Prime Minister,
Ministers and stakeholders. Cabinet agreed in principle that all
telecommunications services in the Cook Islands should be provided under an open, competitive environment. However, in doing so, the government is mindful of its obligations under its Joint Venture with TCNZ Cook Islands (Telecom New Zealand) and the Prime Minister has stated that his priority is to manage the change process under an open channel of dialogue with the Telecom Cook Islands (TCI) shareholder partner. The Prime Minister is presently en route to Rome but is being informed of progress. The indications so far are that amendments to the present law will require more time than the available (less than) two weeks before the next sitting of Parliament. The window to pass legislation is therefore closing rapidly for the remainder of this year. In addition, the dialogue with TCNZ Cook Islands will continue to be managed in a consultative manner conducive to a smooth transition.

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