The Commerce Commission of New Zealand has announced an investigation into the potential deregulation of Mobile Termination Access Services (MTAS). These services allow customers on one mobile network to communicate with those on another network through voice calls and text messages at regulated rates.

Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson stated that the investigation is warranted due to a significant shift in the competitive landscape. The Commission will only recommend deregulation if it finds that regulation is no longer necessary to promote competition for the benefit of consumers in New Zealand.

Market changes, including the rise of alternative messaging services like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, have reduced the reliance on traditional SMS services. Additionally, the increasing shift towards data services may lessen the need for regulation of voice calling. The Commission's investigation follows a call for feedback in November of the previous year regarding its draft decision to explore deregulation.

MTAS are wholesale services provided by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that enable communication between customers on different networks. Prior to regulation, MNOs charged significantly lower prices for calls and SMS within their own networks compared to those going to customers on other networks, creating barriers for new MNOs to attract customers. In 2010, the Commission recommended regulating MTAS to level the playing field.

Under the Telecommunications Act, the Commission is required to review the necessity of MTAS regulation at least every five years. The current investigation is part of a two-stage process, where the Commission first assesses whether reasonable grounds exist for a formal investigation, followed by a review of deregulation if warranted. The last review in September 2020 concluded that there were no reasonable grounds for deregulation at that time.