Value of New Zealand's telecoms industry expected to grow to new high of $6 billion

The fortunes of New Zealand’s telecommunications market have seen a definite upturn in 2003, and the trend will continue into 2004. This report found that New Zealand’s telecommunications market in 2004 will exceed $6 billion for the first time and that growth in Telecommunications services revenue is predicted to be 6.7%. Growth will especially be evident in the data market, with forecast predicting 10% growth,bringing the market value to $900 million for 2004. The mobile market is expected to approach $1.5 billion by late 2004, with Vodafone further increasing its market share.

The market in New Zealand continues to be a battle between the ‘Big Three’; however, forecasts in this report expect that 2004 will produce industry consolidation, thus there will be no room for 3 mobile players. The dominance of incumbent Telecom is coming under increasing commercial pressure from TelstraClear and Vodafone, as well as increasing regulatory pressure from a Telecommunications Commissioner who’s already shown a willingness to favour competition.