InternetNZ's Policy Advisory Group held a face-to-face meeting in mid-August, where a range of subjects including the UFB draft standards, broadband, ACTA, TPP and copyright were discussed.
InternetNZ is aiming to hold a PAG meeting once a a month. The meetings are a chance for the membership of the PAG mailing list to share combined knowledge on current issues and debates, to help set InternetNZ's direction in those areas, and to give people the chance to meet each other and hear in a non-email setting various views and perspectives.
To join the PAG mailing list please contact office@internetnz.net.nz .
See below for a summary of the meeting.
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UFB draft standards:
The TCF has been working on industry UFB standards. InternetNZ is involved in these discussions via the TCF’s working party. A call for public submissions has been made, with feedback on technical aspects sought. In-person meetings are being held soon in Auckland and Wellington. Note that InternetNZ is not doing a submission because it is involved with the working party.
Broadband Update:
InternetNZ wants to see fibre-to-the-home. At a high level, the overall scheme to roll fibre out, and a landscape based on competition, are good things.
InternetNZ has been contributing to the TCF working group that is developing the UFB standards and recently facilitated a workshop on layer 1/layer 2 that industry and officials found helpful. InternetNZ has also submitted on Telecom’s request to further change the Operational Separation undertakings.
In July, a set of changes to the UFB model were announced. The overall effect is to tilt the investment playing field in favour of private investors that would partner with CFH.
ACTA:
MFAT isn’t saying much on ACTA. The NZG is largely onside with ACTA and wants to implement things in a way that is consistent with New Zealand Law. The fight for transparency was lost in Lucerne. The Washington DC round happened last week, and the USA is pushing to have ACTA finished this calendar year. New Zealand will keep pushing for transparency.
TPP:
InternetNZ needs to do some more work on the Trans Pacific Partnership. This is the big emerging global IP issue and MFAT is worried about some of the US demands in the TPP. Input from PAG members is invited for those who want to help.
Copyright:
InternetNZ has submitted on the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill at Select Committee and is having one-on-one meetings with the Greens, Labour and National. The TCF has come up with an alternative proposal whereby after the first notice is sent the Copyright Tribunal becomes responsible. Select Committee seems interested in this.
Net Neutrality:
There has been a reasonable debate about net neutrality on the list already. It was questioned whether InternetNZ needs to draft a net neutrality position paper. Jordan noted that this is on the work plan, but some question whether there is even an issue that needs addressing.