In case it is of interest (note it is after 1800, hence there is no embargo on release). ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 18:58:20 +1200 From: Alan Mitford-Taylor <alan.mtaylor(a)telecom.co.nz> To: jabley(a)patho.gen.nz Subject: Telecom Clear Media Release 14/5/00 Joe Abley Mercury Telecommunications Ltd Dear Joe The following is a media statement jointly released by Telecom New Zealand Ltd and Clear Communications this evening. I will endeavour to supply more information to you as soon as it becomes available. Regards Alan Mitford-Taylor 14 May 2000 MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed until 1800 CLEAR AND TELECOM REACH AGREEMENT ON 0867 INTERNET NUMBER RANGE Internet users will not pay a two-cents per minute charge for non-0867 Internet calls, under a comprehensive three and a half-month agreement between Telecom and CLEAR. The two companies say the agreement provides a breathing space in which they can renegotiate their interconnection agreement, which expires at the end of 2000. Telecom has agreed to suspend the two-cent charge and CLEAR has agreed to encourage its customers who are dial-up Internet users to begin using 0867 numbers. The agreement is effective immediately. Other aspects of the agreement are: * CLEAR and Telecom will sign an agreement whereby CLEAR will provide Internet access services under an 0867 agreement, initially until the end of August. * CLEAR will withdraw its application for an interim injunction requiring Telecom to honour the terms of the number portability agreement between the two companies. * Telecom will not appeal against the interim injunction granted to i4free last month. * The agreement is for three and half months, during which time the two companies will aim to negotiate a new interconnection agreement. CLEAR and Telecom say the agreement is a pragmatic solution to the long-running 0867 Internet issue. The agreement recognises the needs of both companies in New Zealand's rapidly changing telecommunications sector. Both companies recognise the need to set aside differences in order to benefit Internet users and to create space for developing a better interconnection agreement for the future. For further information, contact: Linda Sanders Telecom New Zealand Ross Inglis CLEAR Communications --------- To unsubscribe from nznog, send email to majordomo(a)list.waikato.ac.nz where the body of your message reads: unsubscribe nznog