Mr. Chairman, invited guests, members of this important international communication group - Good morning - greetings from New Zealand and the Ministry of Commerce. Thank you for inviting me to your 1998 Annual General Meeting here in Sydney.
My interest in PHS technology is two fold:
- the Ministry of Commerce is responsible for developing communication policy, and
- my branch with in the Ministry is responsible for the management and allocation of Radio Spectrum.
Keep a breast of technological developments is an important requirement in our decision making. I also consider it a privilege to be given this opportunity to make a few comments at this early stage, particularly as New Zealand is not a signatory to your Memorandum of Understanding. We are, however very supportive of any group of individual companies prepared to invest in technology that will enhance communications in our homes and our workplaces. New Zealand demonstrates its support by providing an environment which encourages and welcomes technological investment.
New Zealand’s policies of creating market conditions that ensure ease of access for international companies and competition continue to be the cornerstone of the policy agenda of our current coalition government. The operational policies that guide the allocation of spectrum are rooted in these principles that have seen New Zealand develop as a free market economy with open competition. While the use of PHS Technology is not widespread in New Zealand and our market is relatively small, it is encourage to note that since we created a General License for PBX Wireless in March of this year the number of PBX fitted with PHS has increased.
In conclusion let me again thank you for inviting me to join your AGM and wish all of you continuing success to the companies and organizations that you represent. Again my congratulations to those who assume such senior appointment in your group.