Hi all. InternetNZ is asking for public consultation on Internet Peering. There are a number of interesting things in this email, my apologies for its length. The first is the InternetNZ Peering Report which can be downloaded at http://peering.internetnz.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/issues-regarding... And the second are the 8 questions which InternetNZ is asking for submissions on. People are welcome to send in their own submissions, and if the discussion is within the AUP then feel free to voice them here too. I look forward to the discussion. =) I've included the original RTF document as text below inline with the list rules. Dean -------- Original Message -------- InternetNZ launches public consultation on Internet peering For immediate release 7 November 2007 InternetNZ (the Internet Society of New Zealand Inc) today launches a public consultation on Internet peering, a subject that relates to the performance and reliability of the Internet. This follows the release of a report commissioned by the Society entitled “Issues regarding Internet peering and interconnection in New Zealand”. Some key issues identified in the report include conflicting interpretations of the term peering, cost of transit, lack of reliable internet traffic data and statistics and the challenges faced by content providers InternetNZ invites comments on any issues presented in the report and what further steps should be considered in progressing peering and data interconnection issues in New Zealand. A consultation document is attached and submissions have been invited either by email in response to that document, or at the website http://peering.internetnz.net.nz, where comments can be attached to the individual questions. The mission of InternetNZ is to protect and promote the Internet in New Zealand. InternetNZ is a public policy advocate for Internet and telecommunications issues that further an open and uncaptureable Internet. InternetNZ promotes neutral peering and neutral peering exchanges on the basis that it provides diversity for the Internet network and assists in improving network performance. For further information contact: Richard Wood Communications and Research Officer InternetNZ richard(a)internetnz.net.nz 0274 974 837 ----------Attachment------- InternetNZ Invites Comment on Peering Consultation Document - 7 November 2007 ------------------------------------------------- InternetNZ (the Internet Society of New Zealand Inc) has commissioned a report "Issues regarding Internet peering and interconnection in New Zealand", which examines the state of peering and related issues in New Zealand. The report can be found here: http://peering.internetnz.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/issues- regarding-internet-peering-and-interconnection-in-new-zealand-099.pdf InternetNZ invites comments on any issues presented in the report and what further steps should be considered in progressing peering and data interconnection issues in New Zealand. Submissions must be received by 5pm, Friday 7 December. InternetNZ is also inviting comments and discussion online at the website http://peering.internetnz.net.nz Background --------------- The mission of InternetNZ is to protect and promote the Internet in New Zealand. InternetNZ is a public policy advocate for Internet and telecommunications issues that further an open and uncaptureable Internet. InternetNZ promotes neutral peering and neutral peering exchanges on the basis that it provides diversity for the Internet network and assists in improving network performance. In March 2008 InternetNZ commissioned an external working group chaired by Dr Murray Milner to undertake a wide ranging industry consultation on peering and related issues. The terms of reference were as follows; • To facilitate industry discussion on issues relating to Internet peering in New Zealand inclusive of all interested and affected stakeholders and in a collaborative fashion. • To establish policies and principles that will expedite an industry-wide agreement on peering and local interconnection of data. The findings and recommendations contained in "Issues regarding Internet peering and interconnection in New Zealand" do not represent InternetNZ policy but are designed to provide a framework for a wider industry debate on peering and data connection issues. Following the public consultation process, InternetNZ will publish a final report that will incorporate feedback from public submissions To assist the feedback process, outlined below are a list of specific questions based on the findings and recommendations raised in the report Questions ------------ 1. Peering: Interpretation and Definition The term peering is open to many interpretations. The report identifies the differences in what is meant by the word "peering" and says that emotive responses flowing from historical events can be overcome by defining as far as possible what peering means. Do you agree with definition of peering that is proposed in the report. If not, what would be more appropriate? 2. Cost of Transit International benchmarking suggests the cost of transit is relatively high in New Zealand. Do you agree? Specifically, is there a market failure or evidence of SMP (significant market power) with regard to the cost of transit? Should government conduct an investigation regarding the price of transit? And finally should Government regulate the price of transit? 3. The state of networking - lack of reliable data The report highlights the difficulty in having any informed debate about the state of networking in relation to local, national and international data interconnection in New Zealand, without access to reliable Internet traffic data and statistics. Do you support the need for an initiative that would collect and make available on an aggregated basis, New Zealand Internet traffic flows and volumes? If so who should collect that data? Specifically; the Telecommunication Carrier's Forum, Commerce Commission, Ministry of Economic Development, InternetNZ, or other? 4. Rich Media Content Distribution The report identifies the challenges faced by content providers, particularly the distribution of audio and video files. What initiatives with regards to peering and data interconnection would assist the growth and viability of the NZ digital content industry? 5. Consumer Pricing Strategies The report suggests consumer pricing strategies that differentiate between national and international traffic might encourage a greater take-up of New Zealand-sourced content. Do you agree? 6. Telecom Local Peering Proposal The report has noted a significant industry development with regards to Telecom's Local Peering Proposal, which has been the subject of industry discussions since April 2007. Do you support the proposals put forward in Telecom's local peering initiative? 7. Peering Code of Practice The report is neutral at this time on whether a Peering Code of Practice could be a useful mechanism to progress industry cooperation on peering and data connection issues. Do you support the need for a specific self regulatory industry initiative such as a Code of Practice to manage and develop consensus on peering and data connection issues? Failing that, should Government consider some form of regulation? 8. Other Please comment on any other issues in the report that you feel are not covered by the above questions. ------------ Please forward submissions to richard(a)internetnz.net.nz. InternetNZ will publish all submissions on its website at www.internetnz.net.nz and considers you have consented to this by filing your submission